The United States has revealed intentions to prohibit the sale of antivirus software produced by Russia’s Kaspersky Lab within its borders. Government officials have asserted that the influence of the Russian government over Kaspersky poses a direct security threat. The software’s extensive access to computer systems raises concerns about potential exploitation for stealing sensitive information or deploying malware.

The ban encompasses halting software downloads, updates, resales, and licensing of Kaspersky products. Companies currently utilizing Kaspersky software will be granted a transition period to identify alternative solutions. Moreover, sales of products incorporating Kaspersky software under different brand names will be forbidden.

Kaspersky’s clientele in the US includes critical infrastructure providers, as well as state and local governments. This elevated level of access via Kaspersky’s software could potentially enable the withholding of crucial updates or unauthorized access to sensitive information, thereby heightening the risk for these clients.

Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said, “Russia has shown it has the capacity and … the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponise the personal information of Americans and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today.” 

Kaspersky said the US decision was based on “the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky’s products and services.”

Kaspersky has countered the US decision, asserting that it is driven by geopolitical tensions rather than a genuine evaluation of their software’s reliability. The company intends to pursue legal avenues to safeguard its US operations.

Under this new regulation, empowered during the Trump administration, Kaspersky entities will be added to a trade restriction list. This measure is anticipated to adversely impact Kaspersky’s global reputation and sales. Effective September 29, the restriction prohibits US suppliers from selling to Kaspersky and prevents new business engagements in the US.

Kaspersky has been under scrutiny previously; in 2017, the Department of Homeland Security prohibited its antivirus product from federal networks, citing concerns about potential connections to Russian intelligence. Recent actions stem from apprehensions that Kaspersky could be influenced by Moscow amidst the Ukraine conflict.