U.S. Bans Kaspersky Security Software From All Federal Agencies Over Russia Espionage Fears

The U.S. government banned all use of Kaspersky Lab Inc. software in federal information systems, citing concerns about the Moscow-based security firm's links to the Russian government and espionage efforts.All agencies will be required to identify any Kaspersky products they have used within 30 days and develop plans to discontinue their use, according to a directive from Elaine Duke, the acting secretary of the Department of Homeland Security."This action is based on the information security risks presented by the use of Kaspersky products," DHS said Wednesday in a statement. "The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security."DHS said it has provided Kaspersky an opportunity to address these concerns. Kaspersky, which didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, said in a May statement that it "has no ties to any government, and the company has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage efforts."  Continue reading...