15th September 2017
Kaspersky software banned from US government agencies (arstechnica.com).
“The Department of Homeland security ordered government agencies to stop using any software products made by Kaspersky Lab today. Officials cited concern about possible ties between Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence. Agencies in the executive branch are expected to begin the process of discontinuing Kaspersky products within 90 days. According to a DHS statement posted online by Reuters reporter Dan Volz: The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates US national security.”
With the order applying “to all civilian government networks, but not the military”, The General Services Administration removing Kaspersky from a list of pre-approved technology vendors back in July “after press reports emerged linking the company to Russian intel” and causing patriotic “giant tech and appliance retailer” Best Buy to lasso Kaspersky products on its shelves and drag them off into the sunset.
“The federal ban could lead to pressure on state and local governments to ditch Kaspersky products as well.”
Note: This post has been moved to Blog due to length of extended updates.
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