Using Kaspersky Antivirus Software? It is Now Banned in the U.S.

Why is Kaspersky Getting Banned?

Kaspersky is getting banned in the US after the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) conducted a review of the company’s cybersecurity and anti-virus transactions.

• BIS states 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 Kaspersky to access to sensitive information from US customers.
• BIS notes that the company poses “unacceptable risks to the United States’ national security and the security and safety of its people.”
  • The main concerns are:
    • Kaspersky’s connections to Russia
    • Potential security weaknesses in Kaspersky’s products
    • A chance that Russia could exploit these weaknesses.

What Does This Mean to Current Kaspersky Users?

• The Kaspersky ban essentially means you will not be able to purchase its software products
  • 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 cybersecurity or antivirus software in the US.
  • Existing Kaspersky customers have until September 29 to find an alternative
    • The company will no longer be able to provide antivirus signature updates after this date.

Kaspersky’s ban in the U.S. shouldn’t come as a surprise. The firm has been on the government’s radar for quite some time.

In 2017, the US banned the use of the Moscow-based cyber security firm’s products across all government agencies.

Read more from the Bureau of Industry & Security website.