Priya Patel
TLDR:
- The Biden administration is preparing to issue an order to prevent Americans from using software made by a major Russian cybersecurity firm, Kaspersky Lab, over national security concerns.
- The move would use Commerce Department authorities to prohibit certain transactions between the Russian company and US persons, focusing on the firm’s anti-virus software.
The Biden administration is taking steps to prevent US companies and citizens from using software made by the Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab due to national security concerns. The Commerce Department is finalizing an order that would prohibit certain transactions between the Russian company and US persons, with a specific focus on the firm’s anti-virus software. While the order has not been officially announced, it is part of a broader effort by the US government to mitigate risks to critical infrastructure by restricting the use of technology deemed to be a national security risk.
The order is based on new Commerce Department authorities built on executive orders signed by both Presidents Biden and Trump, aimed at safeguarding American personal data from foreign adversaries. The move would go beyond previous restrictions on government agencies and extend to private companies, marking a significant shift in how the US government regulates technology use in the name of national security.
Founded in Moscow in 1997, Kaspersky Lab is a major player in the cybersecurity industry, known for its anti-virus software used by millions of people and companies worldwide. The company has faced allegations from US officials that it could be compelled by the Russian government to carry out hacking or surveillance activities, which Kaspersky Lab vehemently denies. Despite legal battles and suspicions, the company’s relationship with the US government has been varied, with instances of cooperation leading to arrests of individuals involved in cyber espionage activities.
The pending order against Kaspersky Lab signals a new era in Commerce regulation, as the department looks to intervene to protect national security interests without negatively impacting American businesses. The use of regulatory powers against the Russian software firm reflects a broader effort to address security threats to America’s software supply chain and the risks posed by technology providers with ties to foreign adversaries.
