Cybersecurity Shakeup: US Bans Kaspersky Antivirus Over National Security Concerns

Posted by: lukwago J in Tech June 21, 2024

In a move to bolster national security, the Biden administration has banned Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky from providing its popular antivirus products in the United States.

The U.S. Commerce Department cited “national security concerns” and the “Russian government’s offensive cyber capabilities” as the driving factors behind this decision.

The Commerce Department’s announcement stated that Kaspersky will no longer be able to sell its software within the U.S. or provide updates to software already in use.

This decision comes after a lengthy investigation, which found that Kaspersky’s “continued operations in the United States presented a national security risk.”

Kaspersky’s Response

Kaspersky, in response, said the Commerce Department’s decision was based on “the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns.” The company vowed to “pursue all legally available options to preserve its current operations and relationships” within the U.S.

The ban on Kaspersky’s antivirus software will have far-reaching consequences for both individual consumers and corporate clients.

The Commerce Department strongly encouraged users to switch to new vendors, although the decision does not outright prohibit the use of Kaspersky products. The agency has provided a grace period until September 29 to minimize disruption and allow for the transition to alternative solutions.

U.S. government’s stance on National Security threats

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized that the government’s actions demonstrate its resolve to protect the United States and its citizens from potential threats.

The decision to ban Kaspersky is the first of its kind since an executive order under the Trump administration granted the Commerce Department the authority to investigate companies that pose national security risks.

Nine years ago, NEWSLEXPOINT.com reported that the Russian government agency Roskomnadzorthat oversees media and communications, threatened to block access to Facebook, twitter and Google if the social media giant fail to hand over data on certain Russian bloggers.

The Russian government agency wanted Facebook, twitter and Google, hand over data for users, specifically Russian bloggers with more than 3,000 daily readers .

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