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Kaspersky is a multinational cybersecurity company that makes antivirus software, but it is now banned in the US. The Biden administration recently announced plans to stop the sale of antivirus software from the Russian lab Kaspersky in the United States, saying the company’s ties to Russia represents a risk to national security. security. Kaspersky software is also believed to allow bad actors to install malicious software and retain critical updates.
Kaspersky conference room (Kaspersky)
Why is the United States banning Kaspersky?
Kaspersky is being banned in the US after the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) conducted a review of the company’s antivirus and cybersecurity transactions. BIS notes that the company poses “unacceptable risks to the national security of the United States and the safety of its people.” The main concerns are Kaspersky’s connections to Russia, potential security weaknesses in Kaspersky products, and the possibility that Russia could exploit these weaknesses.
In an announcement, the BIS specifically listed five risks that Kaspersky poses to national security. Kaspersky’s ties to Russia are a major concern. The BIS asserts that Russia is a foreign adversary that poses ongoing threats to the United States. According to the agency, Kaspersky is under the jurisdiction and control of the Russian government, allowing it to access confidential information of American clients.
Other reasons given for the Kaspersky ban include the software’s ability to install malware. “Kaspersky software offers the ability and opportunity to install malicious software and retain critical updates,” BIS states. “Tampering with Kaspersky software, even on critical US infrastructure, can result in data theft, espionage, and system malfunctions. The products also threaten economic security and public health in the US, which could result in injury or loss of life.”
Kaspersky’s ban in the US should not come as a surprise, as the company has been on the government’s radar for quite some time. In 2017, the United States banned the use of the Moscow-based cybersecurity company’s products in all government agencies.
Illustration of a bad actor on a computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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Kaspersky’s response to the ban
Kaspersky on Friday denied it was a security threat and said the government had based its decision on the “geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns” rather than independently verifying whether there was a risk. The company says it cannot obtain sensitive data about Americans and that its operations and employees in Russia can only access aggregate or statistical data not attributable to a specific person.
Below is part of the company’s official statement. The full statement can be read on the Kaspersky website.
“For more than 26 years, Kaspersky has achieved its mission of building a more secure future by protecting more than one billion devices. Kaspersky offers industry-leading products and services to customers around the world to protect them from all types of cyber threats, and has repeatedly implemented significant transparency measures unmatched by any of its cybersecurity industry peers to demonstrate its long-standing commitment to integrity and trustworthiness. evidence.
A boy working on a computer (Kurt “CyberGuy” Knutsson)
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What does this ban mean to you?
Banning Kaspersky essentially means that you won’t be able to purchase their software products, and if you already have one, it will stop working soon. Starting July 20, Kaspersky and any of its partners will not be able to sell or license antivirus or cybersecurity software in the US. Resellers who already have the products in stock will be able to sell them, but only until September 29.
It is worth noting that while the BIS has banned most Kaspersky products, some have been exempted. These include Kaspersky Threat Intelligence products and services, Kaspersky Security Training products and services, and Kaspersky consulting and advisory services.
Existing Kaspersky customers have until September 29 to find an alternative, as the company will no longer be able to provide antivirus signature updates after this date.
Which antivirus to choose now that Kaspersky is banned?
Kaspersky antivirus was widely used, but now that it has been banned it is important to look for alternatives. An antivirus is the best way to protect yourself from clicking on malicious links that install malware, which can gain access to your private information. It can also alert you to phishing emails or ransomware scams. Get my picks for the best antivirus protection winners of 2024 for your Windows, Mac, Android, and iOS devices.
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Kurt’s Key Takeaway
The US government raised serious national security concerns regarding Kaspersky’s ties to the Russian government. If true, a ban is absolutely necessary. However, Kaspersky maintains that it is a private company with no ties to Moscow. It is not yet clear whether these claims are credible. One thing is certain: Kaspersky’s absence would leave a significant gap in the cybersecurity market, creating an excellent opportunity for competitors to step forward.
Do you think concerns about Kaspersky’s ties to Russia and potential threats to national security are justified? Let us know by writing to us at Cyberguy.com/Contact
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