Updated on: June 21, 2024
The Biden administration is set to announce a ban on the sale of antivirus software made by Russia’s Kaspersky Labs in the United States. This move comes amid concerns over the company’s ties to the Russian government and the potential cybersecurity risks associated with its software.
Kaspersky Labs has a significant customer base in the US, including critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments. The administration’s decision is driven by fears that the software’s deep access to computer systems could be exploited to steal sensitive information, install malware, or withhold critical updates.
The upcoming rule will leverage broad powers established during the Trump administration and will be accompanied by the addition of Kaspersky Labs to a trade restriction list. This inclusion will prevent US suppliers from selling to the company, further damaging its reputation and potentially impacting its international sales.
The ban will take effect on September 29, giving businesses 100 days to transition to alternative software. New US business dealings with Kaspersky will be blocked 30 days after the announcement. The restrictions will also prohibit the downloading of software updates, resales, and licensing of Kaspersky products.
Kaspersky Labs has previously denied any ties to the Russian government, stating that it is a privately managed company. However, the Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky’s flagship antivirus product from federal networks in 2017, citing potential connections to Russian intelligence.
The Commerce Department has ramped up its national security probe into Kaspersky following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, leading to this decisive action. Despite Kaspersky’s efforts to propose mitigating measures, the administration determined that no effective measures could address the associated risks.
Violations of the new restrictions will result in fines from the Commerce Department, and willful violations could lead to criminal charges from the Justice Department. While software users will not face legal penalties, they will be strongly encouraged to discontinue using Kaspersky products.