US Bans Kaspersky antivirus software and sanctions executives

Kaspersky software has been banned in the US on national security grounds

At the start of next month Kaspersky software will not be available inside the US. Furthermore, updates will stop for their software on September 29th 2024. Additionally, the US has issued sanctions on twelve of the company’s executives. This includes four board members, several senior managers and even a few vice presidents.

The US has banned Kaspersky on national security grounds. The Moscow-based company could be used by the Russian government to instal malware, block security updates, and collect the personal data of Americans. Companies that continue to sell Kaspersky software in the US will face fines. Rebranded products with Kaspersky’s software have also been banned.

This ban follows a two-year national security probe of Kaspersky’s antivirus software by the US Department of Commerce. The software has previously been banned from US Government systems due to alleged links to Russian intelligence operations. Soon, nobody will be able to buy the Russian antivirus in the US.

Representatives of the Russian company have always denied the US government’s allegations. The company sees this ban as something that is based on politics and not facts, and plans to “pursue all legally available options” to protect their business.

Users of Kaspersky’s software in the US should uninstall it and use another antivirus. Updates end on September 29th, giving you a few months to make the change.

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