The move that was made today is the result of years of concerns over the Russian company’s political ties that have been raised regarding national security.
An extensive measure has been taken by the administration of Vice President Joe Biden to prohibit Kaspersky Labs from selling its antivirus software to clients in the United States. Beginning in the month of July, the Russian software company will be unable to market its products to new clients, and after September, it will be unable to continue providing service to existing customers.
A source told Reuters that the company’s connections to the Russian government made it a security concern that had the potential to install malware, acquire privileged information, or withhold software updates on American machines. This information was provided prior to the official announcement regarding the company’s involvement. During a conference that took place today, the United States Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, made the announcement regarding the prohibition.
Those who were already Kaspersky customers were informed by her that they were not liable to any criminal or civil repercussions because they had not committed any wrongdoing. “However, I would encourage you, in as strong as possible terms, to immediately stop using that software and switch to an alternative in order to protect yourself and your data and your family.”
Over the course of several years, the Russian corporation has been the subject of cyber security inquiries on numerous occasions. In 2022, the Federal Communications Commission included Kaspersky on its list of organizations that posed potential security concerns that were deemed undesirable. In 2017, Kaspersky products were prohibited from usage in federal agencies in the United States, and the company also came under criticism from the leadership of the cybersecurity industry in the United Kingdom.
The Trump administration is responsible for this level of presidential order, which is intended to prevent or restrict access to technology and software from countries that are considered to be foreign foes. He made an effort in the year 2020 to prohibit the use of TikTok and WeChat on the grounds that the Chinese-owned applications would pose a threat to national security. Despite the fact that this decision was reversed in 2021, it prompted a study of the apps, which ultimately resulted in legislation that Vice President Biden signed in April. This law has the potential to compel TikTok to find a new owner in order to continue operating in the United States.