Browse the huge independent record store on Bandcamp
The U.S. government has banned Kaspersky Lab’s antivirus software due to concerns about potential ties to the Russian government.
The move comes amid concerns that Kaspersky could be forced by Russian authorities to share classified information or even install malware on U.S. computers.
Kaspersky is a highly rated antivirus program known for its effectiveness in protecting your computer from a variety of threats.
But its Russian origins have raised concerns, especially given the current geopolitical climate.
Because antivirus software has deep access to your computer’s files, it can be misused to install malware or keyloggers.
Having this level of access for a company with potential ties to a foreign government poses significant security risks.
The Department of Homeland Security removed Kaspersky software from all government computers in 2017.
Now, the Biden Administration is expanding that ban to all sales in the U.S. Senator Mark Warner, Chairman of the Senate Intelligence Committee, issued the following statement following the approval of the ban:
“We would never hand over the keys to our networks or devices to an adversary, so it is insane to think that we would continue to allow Russian software with the deepest possible device access to be sold to Americans.”
If you are using Kaspersky, we recommend uninstalling it and switching to a different antivirus program. You can check for Kaspersky in your computer’s settings under “Apps.”
For a more thorough removal, consider using a program like Revo Uninstaller, which can scan for and remove hidden files that Kaspersky may have installed.
Kaspersky denies any ties to the Russian government, but the United States is not willing to take chances when it comes to national security.
The US also imposed sanctions on 12 members of the Kaspersky Lab board of directors for alleged ties to the Russian government. The ban will take effect in September, leaving businesses and consumers to find alternatives.
