US blocks Kaspersky from providing cybersecurity services in the country

TLDR

• The Commerce Department has banned sales of cybersecurity products and services from Russia-based Kaspersky Lab due to national security concerns.
• Individuals and businesses using Kaspersky software are urged to transition to new vendors to minimize cybersecurity risks.

Article Summary

The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) recently prohibited the sales of cybersecurity products and services by Kaspersky Lab in the U.S., citing national security threats. This ban extends the previous actions taken by the Department of Homeland Security and Congress to restrict the use of Kaspersky products by Federal government agencies. The investigation conducted by BIS found that Kaspersky’s operations in the U.S. posed a national security risk due to the potential influence of the Russian government. As a result, Kaspersky is no longer allowed to sell software in the U.S. or provide updates to existing users after September 29. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the administration’s commitment to safeguarding national security and protecting sensitive U.S. information from exploitation.