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The cybersecurity and antivirus software provider Kaspersky’s products are now banned in the US. On Thursday, the Biden administration announced plans to stop the sales of Kaspersky’s antivirus software. Notably, it is the first time the department has completely banned the sales of a cybersecurity technology firm in the nation. The administration has cited that Russia’s influence over Kaspersky poses a significant security risk in the country.
The ban on Kaspersky products in the US will kick in on July 20
The sales of the Kaspersky products will be banned in the US starting from July 20. It means that starting from next month, Kaspersky products will not be available on the store shelves. Besides that, the company will also not be able to sell its products via any online marketplace.
The ban doesn’t just end here because all third-party products that are utilizing Kaspersky services will also be banned in the nation. According to Reuters, the full ban will kick in on September 29, 2024. From the date, the new decision will also ban downloads of software updates, resales, and licensing of any Kaspersky product.
That said, the administration has provided a 100-day window to existing Kaspersky customers and businesses to look for viable alternatives for their computers. Notably, the Biden administration has also added Kaspersky and two of its other units to a trade restriction list in the nation.
Kaspersky to pursue legal options to continue its operations
In an email to Reuters, Kaspersky announced that it is going to pursue legal options to continue operations. Kaspersky said it believed the U.S. decision was based on “the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky’s products and services.”
The company had previously already announced that it is a privately managed company without any connections to the Russian government.
It’s worth mentioning that Kaspersky has been in the regulators’ crosshairs since 2017. The sales of Kaspersky products were banned in 2017 as well over spying concerns. Besides that, the FCC added Kaspersky to the list of companies that pose a national security risk in 2022.