Biden bans US sales of Kaspersky software over Russia ties

The software’s privileged access to a computer’s systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers or install malware and withhold critical updates, enhancing the threat, a source said, noting that Kaspersky’s customers include critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments. — Reuters

WASHINGTON: The Biden administration on June 20 announced plans to bar the sale of antivirus software made by Russia’s Kaspersky Lab in the United States, with Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo saying that Russia’s influence over the company poses a significant security risk.

The software’s privileged access to a computer’s systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers or install malware and withhold critical updates, enhancing the threat, a source said, noting that Kaspersky’s customers include critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments.