USA bans anti-virus program Kaspersky

The anti-virus program Kaspersky is withdrawing completely from the USA. From July 20, the Russian company plans to gradually wind down its business and lay off all employees.

This step is a reaction to the recent ban imposed by US authorities. For a long time, the anti-virus program was one of the most renowned in the world. But because the company is based in Russia, there have been repeated suspicions in recent years that the software was spying on users.

“Among other things, Kaspersky will no longer be able to sell its software in the United States and provide updates for software already in use,” the U.S. Department of Commerce said in response to the ban.

US authorities have thus fundamentally banned the popular anti-virus program from the Russian company Kaspersky.

► A study has shown that the Russian government has “offensive cyber capabilities”. It is also able to “influence or direct Kaspersky's activities”.

Kaspersky denies allegations

According to the Department of Commerce, Kaspersky's activities in the United States pose a national security risk.

► “Russia has demonstrated time and again that it has the ability and intent to use Russian companies like Kaspersky Lab to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information,” said U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo.

According to the ministry, the ban also applies to partner companies, subsidiaries and parent companies of Kaspersky. The company rejected the allegations.

The group, headquartered in Moscow has offices in 31 countries and more than 400 million private and 270,000 corporate customers in more than 200 countries.

The US Department of Commerce called on Kaspersky users to change their antivirus software. Those who continue to use the program will not be affected by Sanctions proven.

► The US had already banned federal agencies from using Kaspersky software in 2017. In 2022, products provided directly or indirectly by Kaspersky were classified as a “threat to domestic security.”

In Germany The Federal Office for Information Security warned shortly after the start of the Ukraine war from Kaspersky products.