US bans Kaspersky antivirus citing national security risks
8:31 AM EDT, June 21, 2024
The United States government has decided to ban the sale of Kaspersky antivirus in the country. This is the first such case in U.S. history. Government officials argue that this software poses a serious threat to national security.
On Thursday, June 20, 2024, the U.S. government officially announced the decision to ban the sale of Kaspersky antivirus. It simultaneously urges citizens to change their antivirus software provider, emphasizing that national security is a priority.
Serious threat to national security
The U.S. Department of Commerce justified its decision by stating that Kaspersky, due to its Russian origin, poses a threat to national security and user privacy.
"Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security," said U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo during a conversation with reporters, as reported by TechCrunch.
According to a report by The Wall Street Journal from April 2023, the decision to impose the ban was considered since last year. Despite a user base of over 400 million individuals and more than 240,000 corporate clients worldwide, Kaspersky is facing the challenge of losing a significant market in the U.S., where it has many clients, including critical infrastructure organizations and local government units.
Ban on sales
The ban on the sale of Kaspersky antivirus software will take effect on July 20, 2024. Since then, Kaspersky has been unable to sell its software to American consumers and businesses. However, the company will still be able to provide software and security updates to existing clients until September 29.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, noted, "That means your software and services will degrade. That’s why I strongly recommend that you immediately find an alternative to Kaspersky."
Despite the ban, American users of Kaspersky software are not breaking the law. However, the Department of Commerce recommends discontinuing the use of this software. The Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Justice are tasked with informing American consumers, and the government will also launch a dedicated website.
The decision to ban the sale of Kaspersky antivirus software is the latest step in a long series of actions by the U.S. government against the Moscow-based company. As early as September 2017, the Trump administration banned federal agencies from using Kaspersky software, fearing that Russian intelligence agencies could use the company's software.
