U.S. Commerce Dept. Bans Use of Kaspersky Cybersecurity Products

The U.S. Commerce Department has banned the sale of cybersecurity products from Russia-based Kaspersky Labs. The department cites the company’s ties to the Kremlin as a national security risk.

The decision follows a 2017 ban on Kaspersky’s use in U.S. government systems. The previous ban was due to concerns about the company’s software being used to steal classified NSA data.

The new ban prevents the entire American private sector from using Kaspersky products. The move targets two Russian Kaspersky entities and one UK-based unit. The Department asserts that Russia can exploit Kaspersky to collect and weaponize Americans’ personal information.

Kaspersky has denied any connections to the Kremlin. “Kaspersky believes that the Department of Commerce made its decision based on the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky’s products and services,” it said in a statement.

The company plans to challenge the decision legally, stating that the ban is based on geopolitical concerns rather than the integrity of its products. Despite this, evidence suggests continued threats to national security, prompting the Commerce Department’s action.

Kaspersky services over 400 million customers worldwide and has faced scrutiny in other Western countries. The company launched a transparency initiative and moved much of its infrastructure outside Russia. But its operations remain under intense observation due to ongoing geopolitical tensions and cyber threats associated with the Russian government.

Recent sanctions and bans have also targeted Russian biometrics companies, including NtechLab, due to concerns over national security and potential misuse of technology for surveillance. The Biden administration has expanded sanctions to prevent Russian entities from collecting and exploiting sensitive personal data, including biometric information.

Source: Nextgov/FCW

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June 25, 2024 – by Cass Kennedy

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