Kaspersky security software is banned in America: What you need to know

Kaspersky is a multinational cybersecurity company that makes antivirus software, but it's now banned in the U.S. The Biden administration recently announced plans to stop the sale of antivirus software from Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the States, saying the company's ties with Russia pose a risk to national security. It's also believed that Kaspersky's software lets bad actors install malicious software and withhold critical updates.

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Why is the US banning Kaspersky?

Kaspersky is getting banned in the U.S. after the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) conducted a review of the company’s cybersecurity and anti-virus transactions. BIS notes that the company poses "unacceptable risks to the United States' national security and the security and safety of its people." The main concerns are Kaspersky's connections to Russia, the potential security weaknesses in Kaspersky's products, and the chance that Russia could exploit these weaknesses.

In an announcement, BIS specifically listed five risks Kaspersky poses to national security. Kaspersky's ties to Russia are a major concern. BIS states that Russia is a foreign adversary that poses ongoing threats to the United States. According to the agency, Kaspersky is under the jurisdiction and control of the Russian government, allowing it access to sensitive information from U.S. customers.

Other reasons given for the Kaspersky ban include the software's ability to install malware. "Kaspersky software allows for the capability and opportunity to install malicious software and withhold critical updates," says BIS. "The manipulation of Kaspersky software, including in U.S. critical infrastructure,