BSI explained that Kaspersky is subject to the Russian Government and has to comply with the government’s request to provide all the information and sensitive data of the US citizens. The US Commerce Secretary, Gina Raimondo, says that “Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information.” In support of these views, The Democratic Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee makes a strong argument saying “We would never give an adversarial nation the keys to our networks or devices, so it’s crazy to think that we would continue to allow Russian software with the deepest possible device access to be sold to Americans.”
After the Kaspersky ban announcement, The US government has given the company and its users a 100-day notice period until September 29, 2024, to completely stop the sale and use of the Kaspersky antivirus across the country. The antivirus firm is allowed to run only specific operations in the country such as providing new updates until September 29, 2024, to minimize the disruption to its present consumers and give them time to find suitable alternatives. After the due date, the new law bans downloading, licensing, and reselling of the product. All the new businesses will be blocked 30 days after the restrictions are announced.
The ban is not unexpected as the US government has already banned the federal use of Kaspersky antivirus solutions earlier also. In 2017, The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) issued a directive prohibiting all government agencies and departments from using Kaspersky security products to prevent potential espionage or cyber-attacks against the United States. Following the directive, all the agencies removed the antivirus software and other cybersecurity tools from their systems and devices. Not only this, the US government also warned private companies on a personal level in Feb 2022 to beware of the use of Kaspersky products as Russian agencies can manipulate the software to extract sensitive data from the company systems.
On the other hand, Kaspersky has denied all the claims of its involvement in providing any data to the Russian government or intelligence agency. Instead, it argues to provide complete security and significant contributions to protect the US`s security interests along with its allies from dangerous online forces. In a statement to AFP Kaspersky said that the decision is theoretical and based on the present geopolitical climate. It argues for pursuing all the available legal options to defend its current operations, business, and relationships. Even after assuring the transparency and integrity of its operations and services, the ban is still effective. It has decided to relocate some of its operations to Switzerland.
What Does The Ban Mean For Kaspersky Customers?
Kaspersky is one of the most popular antivirus vendors headquartered in Moscow. Its worldwide offices are located in more than thirty countries and serve more than 400 million users. 270000 users are corporate clients and they are scattered in 200 countries. Having such a huge client base there is no doubt that Kaspersky is a giant in cybersecurity solutions. It conveys the idea that its online security services and products are highly competent in dealing with complex cybersecurity threats. But with its ban in the US, people have to look for a suitable alternative to protect their digital devices and IT systems from complex cyber attacks.
There will be no more software updates, new downloads, reselling, or integration in American-manufactured digital devices of Kaspersky products. The old software will become outdated and incompetent to detect, remove, and prevent online malware attacks on the devices and affiliated networks. Users using this software may face system compatibility issues, low performance, and glitches on their system due to pending updates and outdated programs. It will no longer be able to deal with the new virus threats as the virus definitions in the antivirus database will become outdated. As a result of all this, users are at constant risk of malware infections, data breaches, network hijacking, and data theft.
What To Do to Secure Your PC's Integrity and Security?
Cybersecurity is a serious issue and you cannot ignore it or leave it unaddressed in this ever-evolving digital age. The US ban on Kaspersky shows the importance of cybersecurity and data protection. It is a serious issue that can affect the national security of a country if its citizen’s information is leaked to an enemy state. It can derail the whole economy, IT infrastructure, and administrative agencies of a country. The far-reaching consequences can disrupt the whole life of a nation.
To avoid this situation every citizen of the nation has to act responsibly and cautiously when it comes to cybersecurity. They have to use best practices, smart cybersecurity strategies, effective safety measures, and reliable antivirus software to protect their digital life. Cybersecurity means the challenge of protecting the future of a whole generation from malicious elements. It is highly essential to secure your internet devices to secure your internet activities and PC security.
If you are using Kaspersky then you should evaluate the risks and sensitivity of the data to consider whether your case matches the arguments the US government has raised. You should look for an alternative reputable antivirus software that meets your online security needs. Read the customer reviews, compare the features, check the prices, and further research the different antivirus security software to choose the best for your online security needs.
Based on your research and evaluation choose a new antivirus software. Download and install it on your system and configure all the features and security settings to detect malware and protect your devices from virus infections. You need to maintain good security practices such as keeping your antivirus updated, regularly updating your PC programs, practicing safe browsing habits, and beware of opening unsafe links and email attachments on your devices. Last but not least, it is highly important to stay informed about different threats, online scams, cyber-attacks, and the latest malware operations on the internet. You have to keep track of new changes and security policies of vendors and state governments running the operations.
The ban on Kaspersky in the United States of America is a prime example of a change in state policies regarding cybersecurity and antivirus products. If you are using a Kaspersky-made cybersecurity solution then you have to switch to another antivirus software to avoid the penalties as the US government has banned the company from running its operations in the US. Considering this piece of news you should choose another antivirus software to secure your PC’s integrity and security if you are living in the United States of America.
