Joe Biden hailed as Russian-made Kaspersky anti-virus software banned due to security concerns

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden's administration, in an unprecedented step, issued a total ban on the Russian-made Kaspersky software in the United States due to national security concerns, announced by the US Commerce Department on Thursday, June 20.

The US government has been raising concerns over the software developed by Kaspersky Lab since 2017 in light of the Russian government's total access to the system and its entire customer data, as per ABC News.

"Russia has shown it has the capacity, and even more than that, the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans," said Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo

Kaspersky cannot enter into new deals in US from July 20

The new authorities of the Commerce Department's Bureau of Industry and Security were able to bring forth the ban, according to Raimondo, who pointed out that several governments have barred Russian-made software since 2017.

She added, "while we've been exploring every option at our disposal, we ultimately decided that given the Russian government's continued offensive cyber capabilities and capacity to influence Kaspersky's operations, that we had to take the significant measure of a full prohibition if we're going to protect Americans and their personal data."

Kaspersky is banned from entering any new contracts inside the United States after July 20. However, it can continue to deliver current customers with cyber and antivirus software until September 29, after which "Kaspersky will not be able to provide security updates" and the services would "degrade."

In addition, the commerce secretary informed that the existing customers who continue to use Kaspersky products, including individuals and businesses in the US, would not be breaking the law, but added that any updates to the products would be impossible after September 30.

"I would encourage you in the strongest possible terms to immediately stop using that software and switch to an alternative in order to protect yourself, your data, and your family," Raimondo added.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement that the ban was crucial to national security and safeguarding Americans' privacy and personal information. He pledged to continue to work with the Commerce Department and various officials to protect the US' "most vital systems and assets."

Internet welcomes Biden admin's ban on Kaspersky software

Internet users concurred with the Biden administration's ban on the Russian-made software in the US, deeming it a "sensible" move.

A user agreed with the move, writing, "sounds like a no brainer." Another said, "Um. Seems like a good idea. PRobably has been a good idea for decades."

"Seems sensible but really it should extend to any adversary and across a range of purposes," added a third user.

A fourth response read, "Sounds like another mess Russia's got itself into. Wonder how many other foreign-backed tools are lurking in our system, just waiting to be exploited. Guess this is one less thing to worry about for now."

Another person wrote, "Well ok. This makes sense. It just might be the first time Joe does something right."

"I believe this decision is an important step to ensure U.S. national security and individual privacy. Hopefully, this decision will be effective in protecting our country from any potential cyber threats," someone else chimed in.

An individual remarked, "About time!!! Rumors have always floated about their AV’s data collection all feeding into the Kremlin. Anything connected with needs to be cancelled, sanctioned, burned outright or buried 100ft underground!!!"

Another user added, "Several years too late but glad nonetheless. Anyone still using that crap should know better."

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