Fears the Kremlin could use the antivirus software to steal sensitive information from computers as tensions escalate between Moscow and the West
The Biden administration ramped up a national security probe into Russia’s AO Kaspersky Lab antivirus software earlier this year amid heightened fears of Russian cyberattacks after Moscow invaded Ukraine, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters.
Access to the networks of federal contractors and operators of critical US infrastructure such as power grids are seen as particularly concerning, the three people said. The authorities are “really the only tool that we have to deal with the threat on an economywide commercial basis, given our generally open market,” said Emily Kilcrease, a former deputy assistant US trade representative.
For Kaspersky, Commerce could use the authorities to ban its use, the purchase of its software by US citizens, or prohibit the download of updates via a regulation in the federal register. Reuters could not learn whether the companies under review included Kaspersky, which made an estimated $95.3m in US revenue in 2020 according to market research firm Gartner accounting for nearly 15% of its global revenue that year.
The perceived threat has taken on greater urgency since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine on February 24, which Moscow describes as a “special military operation.”
South Africa Latest News, South Africa Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Asian stocks slide on recession fears over China’s lockdownsThere was no let-up in Beijing's zero-Covid-19 policy, with Shanghai tightening the rules
Read more »
Sebastian Vettel fears he won't race a German GP home race again before he retires from F1 | WheelsGermany's four-times world champion Sebastian Vettel says he does not expect to race in his homeland again before he retires from the sport. | Wheels24
Read more »
Xiaomi faced threats of violence from Indian agency, court toldJudge hears lawyers and puts on hold decision to freeze bank assets of Chinese smartphone maker
Read more »
SA politicians are targets in Russia’s disinformation campaign, British study showsUK-funded research reveals Russian plan to manipulate public opinion in its favour
Read more »