Last year, the US banned the use of Kaspersky software for all federal agencies over suspicions of its ties to Russia and inappropriate cyber spying. Last week, the EU staked a similar claim against Kaspersky of “confirmed as malicious.” The UK and Netherlands have also taken similar steps. All have either mandated or warned state and private agencies to steer clear of Kaspersky.
The EU takes this action per a clause under its Foreign Affairs Commission where it’s called on to review software (and other IT and infrastructure equipment), to determine if there are risks or dangers. They produce a report and where such risks are believed present, issue a ban against products, as they’ve done against Kaspersky Lab.
Kaspersky is again denying the claims, making strong note of lack of evidence or investigative process. They’ve suspended current projects, including its collaboration effort with Europol and the NoMoreRansom initiative. Also, in response to the decision, they’ve announced plans to relocate core processes from Russia to Switzerland. This is part of ongoing efforts to clear their reputation and prove they aren’t conducting spy efforts on behalf of Russia. They’ve previously engaged in efforts to be transparent, including giving partners access to source code.
Sources:
1. Kaspersky Suspends Collaboration With Europol and NoMoreRansom
2. Kaspersky is about to get banned from EU Networks. But Why?
3. EU Claims Kaspersky Lab Software 'Confirmed as Malicious'
4. Kaspersky Lab Freezes Work with Europol in Protest of EU Vote