The US will ban the sale of antivirus software made by the Moscow-based cybersecurity company Kaspersky. The company's operations in the US present a national security risk "due to the Russian government's offensive cyber capabilities and capacity to influence or direct Kaspersky's operations," the US Department of Commerce said in a statement on Thursday.
"Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to, among other activities, sell its software within the US or provide updates to software already in use."
Private and professional users of Kaspersky's widely installed antivirus software should consider using an alternative due to the associated risks, according to the Department.
"Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponise sensitive US information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard US national security and the American people," Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said.
Kaspersky software sales will be banned in the US starting from July 20. The Russian multinational will continue to provide software updates to existing users until September 29. Kaspersky's software is designed to protect users from trojans, spyware, and other cyber threats.
In the US, the installation of Kaspersky software on government devices has been banned since 2017. In Germany, the Federal Office for Information Security advises against using the software. Kaspersky has denied that its products pose a risk, stating that it is a private global cybersecurity company with no ties to the Russian government.
Should users in India worry?
Kaspersky is currently available for sale in India, and the Indian government has not issued any advisory regarding its use. Users in India can use the antivirus without any worry.
Meanwhile, the area of Mewat in Rajasthan has gained a notorious reputation as a hub for cybercrime, similar to Jamtara, one of India's biggest cybercriminal hotspots. Over the past year, it is estimated that cybercriminals based in this region have fraudulently obtained over Rs 7,000 crores from victims across the country. In 2024 alone, the Rajasthan Police have received approximately 7.5 lakh complaints related to cyber fraud.
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Inputs from IANS
