#US bans Kaspersky antivirus software

[mudwerks]

(via The US will ban sales of Kaspersky antivirus software next month)

The Biden administration has taken a sweeping action to ban Kaspersky Labs from selling its antivirus products to US customers. The Russian software company will not be able to sell to new customers starting in July and cannot provide service to current customers after September.

Ahead of the official news, a source told Reuters that the company's connections to the Russian government made it a security risk with the potential to install malware, collect privileged information, or withhold software updates on American computers. US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo announced the ban at a briefing today.

"You have done nothing wrong, and you are not subject to any criminal or civil penalties," she said to current Kaspersky customers. "However, I would encourage you, in as strong as possible terms, to immediately stop using that software and switch to an alternative in order to protect yourself and your data and your family."

[asmodeus-psd]

PSA! THERE IS MALWARE ON YAYTEXT!

I'm not fully sure just how relevant this will be, but if anyone else uses yaytext to fancify their text with unicode, please be aware that there is now malware on the yaytext website ( yaytext.com ). it has been on there for at least a week now, so if you have gone onto the site, you might have been infected!

WHAT NOW? IF YOU HAVE VISITED YAYTEXT:

first, run a malware scan on your computer. you can do this for FREE with malwarebytes, bitdefender, or kaspersky*. you can find the free versions of these antivirus softwares on their respective websites, and I will link them below for convenience.

after you run the malware scan (hopefully you are not infected!), add the respective browser guard to your browser. as you can see by my screenshot, I use Malwarebytes' broswer guard. if you decide to use their browser guard too, you will still be able to safely use yaytext.

WHERE ELSE DO I GO?

you should assume that yaytext IS NOT safe to use for the time being! there are plenty of other unicode generators out there, however, so you don't have any disruption with your aesthetics.

some alternatives are:

fontspace font generator

lingojam text generator

fontalic

I have just checked all of these sites and none of them have malware on them at this time.

ANTIMALWARE SCANNING

MalwareBytes - free version BitDefender - free version Kaspersky* - free version

*note that Kaspersky is being banned in the U.S. for being a Russian company. The ban is over worries that Russia could use the AV as spyware in the U.S., because the Kremlin can force any company in Russia to share all of their data with them. Despite this, Kaspersky is a top contending cybersecurity research company. If you are not comfortable using Kaspersky, studies have shown that BitDefender provides near equivalent results. source: i am getting my degree in cybersecurity lol

[zerosecurity]

U.S. Government to Ban Kaspersky Antivirus Software Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

To bolster national cybersecurity, the Biden administration announced plans on Thursday to prohibit the sale of antivirus software produced by Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the United States. The decision comes as concerns mount over potential Russian exploitation of the software to gather sensitive information from American computers.

Commerce Secretary Highlights Cybersecurity Risks

During a briefing call with reporters, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo emphasized the risks associated with Kaspersky's software. "Russia has demonstrated both the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize Americans' personal information," Raimondo stated, underscoring the urgency of the action. The software's privileged access to computer systems could potentially enable the theft of sensitive data or the installation of malware, posing a significant threat to national security. This risk is particularly acute given Kaspersky's large U.S. customer base, which includes critical infrastructure providers and state and local governments.

New Regulations and Trade Restrictions

The comprehensive new rule, leveraging broad powers established during the Trump administration, will be implemented alongside the addition of three Kaspersky units to a trade restriction list. This dual approach aims to not only limit the software's presence in the U.S. market but also to impact the company's global reputation and overseas sales. Key points of the new regulations include: - A ban on inbound sales of Kaspersky software, including updates and licensing, effective September 29, 2024. - Prohibition of new U.S. business for Kaspersky 30 days after the announcement - Restrictions on white-labeled products incorporating Kaspersky technology. - Addition of two Russian and one UK-based Kaspersky units to the entity list, limiting their access to U.S. suppliers.

Implications for U.S. Cybersecurity Strategy

The ban on Kaspersky software reflects the Biden administration's broader strategy to mitigate the risks of Russian cyberattacks and maintain pressure on Moscow amid ongoing geopolitical tensions. It also demonstrates the government's willingness to utilize new authorities to restrict transactions between U.S. firms and technology companies from "foreign adversary" nations like Russia and China. Senator Mark Warner, chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, expressed support for the decision, stating, "We would never give an adversarial nation the keys to our networks or devices, so it's crazy to think that we would continue to allow Russian software with the deepest possible device access to be sold to Americans."

Kaspersky's History of Regulatory Scrutiny

This is not the first time Kaspersky has faced regulatory challenges in the United States. In 2017, the Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky's flagship antivirus product from federal networks, citing potential ties to Russian intelligence and concerns over Russian laws that could compel the company to assist intelligence agencies. Media reports at the time alleged Kaspersky's involvement in the transfer of hacking tools from a National Security Agency employee to the Russian government, though Kaspersky denied any intentional involvement.

Enforcement and Implications for Users

Under the new rules, sellers and resellers violating the restrictions will face fines from the Commerce Department, with the possibility of criminal charges for willful violations. While software users will not face legal penalties, they will be strongly encouraged to discontinue use of Kaspersky products.

Kaspersky's Global Presence and Response

Kaspersky, which operates through a British holding company and maintains operations in Massachusetts, reported revenue of $752 million in 2022 from over 220,000 corporate clients across approximately 200 countries. The company's client base includes prominent organizations such as Italian vehicle maker Piaggio, Volkswagen's retail division in Spain, and the Qatar Olympic Committee. As of the announcement, Kaspersky Lab and the Russian Embassy had not responded to requests for comment. The company has previously maintained that it is a privately managed entity without ties to the Russian government. As the cybersecurity landscape continues to evolve, the U.S. government's decision to ban Kaspersky software underscores the growing importance of securing digital infrastructure against potential foreign threats. The move is likely to have far-reaching implications for both the cybersecurity industry and international relations in the digital age. Read the full article

[trendingjournals]

Russia antivirus firm Kaspersky quits US after ban

Russian antivirus giant Kaspersky Labs has told BBC News that it is leaving the US after the Biden administration banned sales and distribution of the firm's software.

Kaspersky said it had made the "sad and difficult decision" to leave "as business opportunities in the country are no longer viable".

It comes after Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said last month that Moscow's influence over the company posed a significant risk to US infrastructure and services.

Kaspersky, which had been operating in the US for two decades, has denied the allegations.

"Starting from July 20, 2024 Kaspersky will gradually wind down its US operations and eliminate US-based positions," the firm said in a statement.

Its US website has already stopped selling its antivirus and cybersecurity tools, with a message reading "purchase is unavailable for US customers".

The announcement came after sales and distribution of Kaspersky products were banned in the US.

Ms Raimondo said the US was compelled to take action due to Russia's "capacity and… intent to collect and weaponise the personal information of Americans".

"Kaspersky will generally no longer be able to, among other activities, sell its software within the United States or provide updates to software already in use," the Commerce Department said.

The ruling used broad powers created by the Trump administration to ban or restrict transactions between US firms and technology companies from "foreign adversary" nations like Russia and China.

It effectively barred downloads of software updates, resales and licensing of the products from 29 September, while new business was to be restricted within 30 days of the announcement.

Sellers and resellers who violate the restrictions will face fines from the Commerce Department.

According to the Commerce Department, the Moscow-headquartered multinational company has offices in 31 countries around the world, servicing more than 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients in more than 200 countries.

At the time Kaspersky said it intended to pursue "all legally available options" to fight the ban, and denied it engaged in any activity that threatened US security.

[tfgadgets]

US Govt Bans This Russian Cybersecurity Company Over Security Fears: Know More

Last Updated: June 22, 2024, 12:00 IST The popular Russian entity in the cybersecurity faces concerns in the US The US govt has acted on various entities from Russia over the years but a cybersecurity company facing sanctions is a new development. The US will ban the sale of antivirus software made by Moscow-based cybersecurity company Kaspersky. The company’s operations in the US presented a…

[ericvanderburg]

US government bans Kaspersky antivirus software – what you need to know

http://i.securitythinkingcap.com/T8cmjY

[isfeed]

US sanctions Kaspersky Lab executives, board members over ‘cooperation’ with Russia

Illustration by Kristen Radtke / The Verge The Biden administration announced sanctions against 12 executives and senior leaders of Kaspersky Lab, a Russia-based cybersecurity company, on Friday. The announcement comes on the heels of the Commerce Department’s ban on the sale of Kaspersky’s antivirus software in the US, citing national security concerns. “Today’s action against the leadership of…

[laurentgiret]

The Biden administration announced yesterday that it was banning sales of antivirus products from Russian company Kaspersky in the US, citing security concerns.

[cyberbenb]

US bans Kaspersky antivirus software due to 'national security risk'

The U.S. Department of Commerce announced a ban on Kaspersky antivirus software on June 21, citing national security concerns due to the company’s links with Russia. Reuters reported on June 20 that t Source : kyivindependent.com/us-bans-k…

[aspiringbelle]

This is a blatant abuse of power. Kaspersky is well known as the leading antivirus software in many rankings. In addition, unlike US-based antivirus companies, Kaspersky monitors and defends against hacking groups thought to be connected to US spy agencies.

Were I Kaspersky, I would contact Eric Dubelier, and seek to sue the United States for damages. (For those who do not know, Dubelier was the lawyer for Concord Catering, who fought the US's charges to his company, and got them to not only drop the case, but put a gag order on Robert Mueller!)

And if any lawyer seeks to help, I would volunteer to assist them Pro Bono.

[indiaepost]

US bans Russian company Kaspersky’s software over security concerns

The US will ban the sale of antivirus software made by Moscow-based cybersecurity company Kaspersky. The company’s operations in the US presented a national security risk “due to the Russian government’s offensive cyber capabilities and capacity to influence or direct Kaspersky’s operations,” the US Department of Commerce said in a statement on Thursday. “Kaspersky will generally no longer be…

[thedatagroupnewsservice]

US bans sales of Kaspersky antivirus software over Russia ties http://dlvr.it/T8YtXY

[xnewsinfo]

The brand new restrictions on incoming gross sales of Kaspersky software program, which will even prohibit software program replace downloads, resales and product licensing, will come into impact on September 29. | Picture credit score: REUTERS On June 20, the Biden administration introduced plans to ban the sale of antivirus software program made by Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the US, citing the corporate's giant American prospects, together with vital infrastructure suppliers and state and native governments.Moscow's affect over the corporate was discovered to pose a big threat, Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo stated in a convention name with reporters Thursday. The software program's privileged entry to a pc's techniques might permit it to steal delicate info from US computer systems or set up malware and withhold vital updates, growing the risk, one supply added.Additionally learn | Is Kaspersky a geopolitical pawn? "Russia has demonstrated that it has the power and... the intent to use Russian corporations like Kaspersky to gather and weaponize the non-public info of People and that's the reason we're pressured to take the actions we're taking immediately" Raimondo stated on the decision.Kaspersky Lab and the Russian embassy didn't reply to requests for remark. Beforehand, Kaspersky had stated it's a privately run firm with no ties to the Russian authorities.The sweeping new rule, which makes use of sweeping powers created by the Trump administration, shall be mixed with one other measure so as to add three firm models to an inventory of enterprise restrictions, Raimondo stated, dealing a blow to the corporate's fame that might have an effect on its gross sales overseas.Reuters first reported on the plan so as to add the cybersecurity agency to the entity record, successfully banning an organization's U.S. suppliers from promoting to it, and the timing and particulars of the ban on software program gross sales.The strikes present the Biden administration is looking for to eradicate any threat of Russian cyberattacks stemming from Kaspersky software program and proceed to strain Moscow as its struggle effort in Ukraine has regained momentum and as the US has run out of recent sanctions it might impose on Russia.It additionally reveals that the administration is benefiting from a strong new authority that enables it to ban or prohibit transactions between American corporations and Web, telecommunications and expertise corporations from "overseas adversary" nations equivalent to Russia and China.The instruments are largely untested.Former President Donald Trump used them to attempt to block People from utilizing Chinese language social media platforms TikTok and WeChat, however federal courts halted the transfer.The brand new restrictions on inbound gross sales of Kaspersky software program, which will even prohibit software program replace downloads, resales and product licensing, will take impact on September 29, 100 days after publication, to permit time for corporations to seek out options. Kaspersky's new companies in the US shall be blocked 30 days after the restrictions are introduced.Gross sales of white-label merchandise, which combine Kaspersky into software program offered below a distinct model, will even be banned, the supply stated, including that the Commerce Division will notify corporations earlier than taking enforcement motion towards them.The Commerce Division will even record two Kaspersky models based mostly in Russia and one in the UK for allegedly cooperating with Russian army intelligence to assist Moscow's cyber intelligence targets.Kaspersky's Russian enterprise is already topic to intensive restrictions on U.S. exports as a result of Moscow's invasion of Ukraine. However its UK-based unit will now be successfully prohibited from receiving merchandise from US suppliers.GROWING PRESSUREKaspersky has lengthy been within the crosshairs of regulators. In 2017, the Division of Homeland Safety banned its flagship antivirus product from federal networks, citing ties to Russian intelligence and noting that Russian regulation permits intelligence businesses to pressure Kaspersky to help and intercept communications utilizing Russian networks.Media stories on the time alleged that Kaspersky Lab was concerned in taking hacking instruments from a Nationwide Safety Company worker that ended up within the arms of the Russian authorities. Kaspersky responded by saying that he had stumbled upon the code, however that no third get together noticed it.Stress on the corporate's American enterprise elevated after Moscow's motion towards kyiv. The US authorities privately warned some US corporations the day after Russia invaded Ukraine in February 2022 that Moscow might manipulate software program designed by Kaspersky to trigger hurt, Reuters reported.The struggle additionally led the Commerce Division to step up a nationwide safety investigation into the software program, first reported by Reuters, that resulted in Thursday's motion.The delay in revealing the ban is partly as a result of a "important back-and-forth" with Kaspersky, which proposed mitigating measures moderately than an outright ban, the supply stated.Nonetheless, the company concluded that the threats, particularly ties to the Russian authorities, meant there have been "actually no mitigating measures that might be put in place to deal with these dangers."Underneath the brand new guidelines, sellers and resellers who violate the restrictions will face fines from the Commerce Division, the supply added. If somebody deliberately violates the ban, the Justice Division can pursue a legal case. Customers of the software program is not going to face authorized sanctions, however shall be strongly suggested to cease utilizing it.Kaspersky, which has a British holding firm and operations in Massachusetts, stated in a company profile that it generated income of $752 million in 2022 from greater than 220,000 company prospects in about 200 international locations. Its web site lists Italian automobile maker Piaggio, Volkswagen's retail division in Spain and the Qatar Olympic Committee amongst its purchasers.