Explained | Why Has Joe Biden Administration Banned Kaspersky, Citing Security Concerns

The Joe Biden administration is mulling to ban the sale of antivirus software from Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the US.

The Joe Biden administration is mulling to ban the sale of antivirus software from Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the US. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo cited concerns over Russia's control of the antivirus maker, indicating it presents a substantial security threat, says a report by news agency Reuters. The report added, citing a source, that the software's privileged access to computer systems could enable it to steal sensitive information from American computers or install malware while withholding crucial updates, thereby increasing security risk.

Kaspersy's Clientele Includes Local, State Governments

The source further noted that Kaspersky's clientele includes critical infrastructure providers as well as state and local governments.

The decision leverages relatively new authorities granted to the Commerce Department by executive orders from Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump to prohibit the use of software products from the Russian company Kaspersky Lab within the United States.

"Russia has shown it has the capacity and ... the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today," Raimondo was quoted as saying in a briefing call with reporters.

The Russian Embassy did not respond to requests for comment. Kaspersky has previously stated that it is a privately managed company with no connections to the Russian government.

...What Kaspersky Said

Kaspersky, in an emailed statement, was quoted as saying by Reuters that its activities do not pose a threat to US national security and indicated that it will explore legal avenues to maintain its operations.

The Department of Commerce has issued a "final determination" that prohibits Kaspersky and its affiliates from engaging in transactions within the US. This decision makes it illegal to sell, integrate, or license any Kaspersky cybersecurity software due to national security concerns.

Earlier in April, a report by CNN revealed that the Biden administration was planning to issue an order to prevent US companies and citizens from using Kaspersky software.