Kaspersky Lab, Inc, the US subsidiary of the popular Russia-based antivirus software and cybersecurity company Kaspersky, has just felt the wrath of the US government. The Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security that it will be banning Kaspersky from"directly or indirectly providing antivirus software and cybersecurity products or services in the United States or to US persons.
Several reasons are given for the ban, primary of which is the assertion that Kaspersky is subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian government, and is therefore required to comply with requests for information. The BIS says that this could lead to the exploitation of access to sensitive information on devices using Kaspersky's software.
"Today’s action, our first use of the Commerce Department’s ICTS authorities, demonstrates Commerce's role in support of our national defence and shows our adversaries we will not hesitate to act when their technology poses a risk to the United States and its citizens."of ties with the Russian government, allegations that it has strongly denied.
Now working as a hardware writer for PC Gamer, Andy can be found quietly muttering to himself and drawing diagrams with his hands in thin air. It's best to leave him to it.