Kaspersky Banned in the USA: What You Need to Know

Fresh on the heels of a TiKtok ban, the US Government has banned Kapsery Software in the US due to its ties to the Russian Government.

Ban Implementation Details

On June 20, 2024, the US government announced new restrictions on inbound sales of Kaspersky software in the US will come into effect on September 29, 2024, giving businesses 100 days to transition to alternative cybersecurity solutions. The ban will also apply to software updates, resales, and product licensing. Additionally, the Commerce Department will add three units of Kaspersky to a trade restriction list, effectively barring them from receiving goods from American suppliers.​ All in all, the USA's ban on Kaspersky highlights the complex interplay between cybersecurity, national security, and international relations. While Kaspersky Lab has been a trusted name in the industry for decades, the current geopolitical climate means all Kasperskydownloads will soon need to be removed from MajorGeeks.



A Brief History of Kaspersky
Kaspersky Labs is a global cybersecurity company founded in 1997 by Eugene Kaspersky. Headquartered in Moscow, Russia, Kaspersky quickly gained a reputation for its robust antivirus software and cybersecurity solutions, known among users for its high detection rates, comprehensive protection, and user-friendly interface. Over the years, the company has expanded its product offerings to include endpoint security, threat intelligence, and various enterprise solutions, becoming a prominent name in the cybersecurity industry.. The company has consistently been at the forefront of malware detection, utilizing advanced machine learning algorithms and real-time threat intelligence to identify and neutralize threats. Additionally, Kaspersky's products often rank highly in independent testing for their effectiveness and minimal impact on system performance.

Why Kaspersky is Being Banned
The United States government has decided to ban Kaspersky software due to concerns over national security. The ban stems from fears that the Russian Government could coerce the Russian-based company into providing access to sensitive data or infrastructure, potentially leading to espionage or cyberattacks. While Kaspersky has consistently denied these allegations, the US government's decision reflects a broader context of rising tensions and cybersecurity concerns between the two countries. These are not new concerns; going back to 2015, Kaspersky has been at odds with the US government, accused the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB) of using Kaspersky to hack an NSA contractor, and was banned from government contracts in 2017.

Banned Anywhere Else?
The USA is not the only country that has expressed concerns about Kaspersky. In recent years, several other countries have either restricted the use of Kaspersky products or advised against their use in government and critical infrastructure sectors. For instance, the United Kingdom, the Netherlands, and Lithuania have all taken steps to limit the use of Kaspersky software, citing similar security concerns. Additionally, the European Union and Germany have issued warnings and advisories against using Kaspersky products due to potential risks of cyberattacks and espionage linked to the company's ties with the Russian Government, although there is no published proof of this.

What Should Subscribers Do?
If you subscribe to Kaspersky products in the USA you have no choice. It's time to cancel your subscription and uninstall the software. Likey you will not receive a refund. You are not penalized for continuing to use the software if you like, but you will not receive updates. This alone will eventually make the software useless. You can remove Kaspersky through the Add/Remove Programs interface or use Kaspersky's full removal tool: Kaspersky Products Remover.

Finding a replacement won't be too difficult; there are a number of great products on the market. However, you need to evaluate your needs before makinga choice. Top considerations on the paid side now are Sophos, TrendMicro, or even Norton 360. On the free side, Windows Defender is an excellent choice for the average users, and Bitdefender and Avast Free Edition is a great alternative if you prefer not to use Microsoft's antivirus.