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The Biden administration has implemented a ban on Kaspersky, a prominent Russia-based cybersecurity firm, from distributing its antivirus products within the United States.
This decision, issued by the U.S. Commerce Department, comes after extensive investigations revealed serious national security risks associated with the company's operations.
Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponise sensitive U.S. information
The U.S commerce secretary, Gina Raimondo
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 US interests and allies
Kaspersky
This ban marks the first major action under powers granted by an executive order during the Trump administration, enabling scrutiny of companies posing national security risks.
While the ban prohibits Kaspersky from selling antivirus software in the U.S. and adds affiliated entities to a national security concern list, it allows for continued antivirus updates until Sept. 29 to minimize disruption.
Despite being headquartered in Moscow, Kaspersky operates globally with significant user bases across 31 countries and services millions of clients.
The Commerce Department encourages current users to transition to alternative cybersecurity providers, though the decision does not legally restrict continued use of Kaspersky products.
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