Breaking News: Commerce Department Imposes Ban on Kaspersky
In a major development, the U.S. government has announced that it is banning the sale of Kaspersky antivirus software in the country. The ban, which comes into effect from July 20, is aimed at protecting U.S. national security and users’ privacy.
Background: Concerns over Russian Connection
The decision to ban Kaspersky was taken by the Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) following concerns that the company, based in Moscow, could be compelled to help Russian intelligence agencies. The BIS argued that Russia has shown a capacity and intent to exploit companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize personal information from Americans.
U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo: "Russia’s Intentions Are Clear"
In a call with reporters, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said, "Russia has shown it has the capacity, and even more than that, the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans. And that’s why we are compelled to take the action that we’re taking today."
Impact on Existing Users
Kaspersky will be banned from selling its software to American consumers and businesses starting July 20. However, existing customers can continue to use their software until September 29, after which Kaspersky will no longer be permitted to push software updates to U.S. customers.
Raimondo emphasized that users who already use Kaspersky’s antivirus are not violating the law and can continue using the software without fear of repercussions.
Kaspersky Plans to Challenge the Decision
In a statement shared with TechCrunch, Kaspersky spokesperson Sawyer VanHorn said the company plans to challenge the U.S. government’s decision. "Kaspersky does not engage in activities which threaten U.S. national security and, in fact, has made significant contributions with its reporting and protection from a variety of threat actors that targeted U.S. interests and allies," the statement read.
U.S. Government Will Notify Consumers
To inform consumers about the ban, the Department of Homeland Security and the Justice Department will work together to notify U.S. consumers. The U.S. government will also set up a website to provide information on why the decision was taken and how users can switch to alternative providers.
Federal Cybersecurity Agency to Reach Out to Critical Infrastructure Organizations
A senior U.S. Commerce Department official said that federal cybersecurity agency CISA will do outreach to critical infrastructure organizations that use Kaspersky software in their operations to help them find alternatives.
Why the Ban Was Necessary
The ban on Kaspersky was necessary due to concerns over the company’s connections with the Russian government and its potential to compromise U.S. national security. The decision highlights the ongoing threat posed by foreign governments using companies like Kaspersky to collect sensitive information from Americans.
Timeline: Key Dates in the Ban
- July 20: Ban on sale of Kaspersky antivirus software comes into effect
- September 29: Last day for existing customers to receive software updates from Kaspersky
As the situation unfolds, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments and understand the implications of this decision for users and the broader cybersecurity community.
Related Stories
