--- title: "US bans the Kaspersky antivirus: Here’s what you need to know | DuoCircle" description: "US bans the Kaspersky antivirus: Here’s what you need to know." image: "https://www.duocircle.com/images/og-default.png" canonical: "https://www.duocircle.com/blog/data-privacy/us-bans-kaspersky-what-to-know/" --- Quick Answer In June 2024, the Biden administration banned Kaspersky Lab antivirus software in the United States, citing national security risks tied to the company's Russian ownership. Kaspersky and its US subsidiaries had until September 29, 2024 to stop sales and software updates to US customers. The Commerce Department's order prohibits resellers, integrators, and Kaspersky itself from providing the software, signature updates, or services within US jurisdiction. Existing users will continue to run installed software but without security updates, which makes the product progressively less effective against new threats. Affected organizations should plan migration to alternative endpoint protection (CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Microsoft Defender for Endpoint, Sophos) before update cutoff, since unpatched AV becomes a liability rather than a defense. US bans the Kaspersky antivirus: Here’s what you need to know Your browser does not support the audio element. [ Download episode](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/US-bans-the-Kaspersky-antivirus-Heres-what-you-need-to-know.mp3) Share [ ](https://www.linkedin.com/sharing/share-offsite/?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fus-bans-kaspersky-what-to-know%2F "Share on LinkedIn") [ ](https://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=US%20bans%20the%20Kaspersky%20antivirus%3A%20Here%E2%80%99s%20what%20you%20need%20to%20know&url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fus-bans-kaspersky-what-to-know%2F "Share on X/Twitter") [ ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fus-bans-kaspersky-what-to-know%2F "Share on Facebook") [ ](https://reddit.com/submit?url=undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fus-bans-kaspersky-what-to-know%2F&title=US%20bans%20the%20Kaspersky%20antivirus%3A%20Here%E2%80%99s%20what%20you%20need%20to%20know "Share on Reddit") [ ](mailto:?subject=US%20bans%20the%20Kaspersky%20antivirus%3A%20Here%E2%80%99s%20what%20you%20need%20to%20know&body=Check out this article: undefined%2Fblog%2Fdata-privacy%2Fus-bans-kaspersky-what-to-know%2F "Share via Email") ![US bans the Kaspersky antivirus](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/SMTP-relay-6845.jpg) You probably know by now that [cybersecurity](/) isn’t just about protecting your computers and data from threat actors, but it **has broader implication**s that go as far as [national security](https://fastercapital.com/topics/understanding-the-importance-of-national-security.html). Yes, it’s true! Case in point: the recent ban on Kaspersky antivirus software by the US government. Recently, Biden’s administration has [issued a ban](https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqq7663wd2o) on the Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, which now prevents it from distributing its antivirus products in the country. The government has given the company and its users a term of notice of 100 days, that is, until September 29, 2024, to completely stop the **sale and use of Kaspersky** in the United States. > According to the statement released by the Commerce Department, “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 reason behind this radical step is **national security concerns**. In this article, we will dive deep into what led to this ban and what it means for users and the [cybersecurity landscape](https://www.forbes.com/sites/emilsayegh/2023/12/19/navigating-the-cybersecurity-landscape-in-2024/). ## Why did the US ban Kaspersky antivirus? As you might have guessed, the driving force behind this ban is the risk of compromised national security. Back in 2017, the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) [ordered its federal networks](https://www.dhs.gov/news/2017/09/13/dhs-statement-issuance-binding-operational-directive-17-01) to stop using Kaspersky’s flagship antivirus products on their systems. [![cyberattacks](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/SMTP-email-8524.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/SMTP-email-8524.jpg) The DHS was afraid that if Kaspersky’s antivirus were to be used, it would **open doors for the Russian government** to access sensitive information that may be used to conduct espionage or [cyberattacks](https://edition.cnn.com/2024/06/27/business/cdk-global-cyber-attack-update/index.html). _Even after years, the suspicion of DHS did not fizzle out but only persisted, leading to the recent ban by the Biden administration._ The following are the **risks related to national security** that led to the Kaspersky ban: - Kaspersky is under the jurisdiction, control, or influence of the **Russian government**, which is considered a [foreign adversary](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United%5FStates%5Fforeign%5Fadversaries). - Kaspersky’s software can be **easily exploited** to identify [sensitive U.S. personal data](https://edition.cnn.com/2023/11/06/politics/data-of-military-personnel-for-sale-online/index.html) and make it available to Russian government actors. - Kaspersky antivirus software, developed and supplied from Russia, is capable and has the leverage to install [malicious software](https://news.sophos.com/en-us/2024/02/23/connectwise-screenconnect-attacks-deliver-malware/) and **hold back** any new malware signature updates. ## Was this ban unexpected? The ban on Kaspersky antivirus software by the US government might have seemed sudden to some, but for the administration, it was **long overdue**. Given the bilateral relations between the United States and Russia, tensions have been growing over the years and have made their way into the realm of cybersecurity. As aforementioned, there were **early warning signs in 2017** that brought the government’s reservations towards Kaspersky to the surface. The allegations compelled the Moscow-based company to shift its epicenter from [Russia to Switzerland and follow a more transparent approach.](https://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-44127611) Despite this move, the suspicion remained. ## What does the ban mean for Kaspersky customers? If your US-based organization is still using Kaspersky antivirus software, this is your sign to **take immediate action** and start looking for [alternatives](https://expertinsights.com/insights/the-top-kaspersky-alternatives-for-businesses/). While you do so, here’s how the latest Kaspersky ban will impact you: ### No more software updates Now that the Kaspersky antivirus software is banned, the company will not be allowed to sell new products, and for existing customers, it will mean **no updates**. _As a result of this, the version of the software that already exists becomes more prone to [cyber threats](/phishing-protection/small-businesss-shocking-response-to-cyber-threats/)_. ### Data sovereignty issues The ban raises questions about [data sovereignty](https://www.techtarget.com/whatis/definition/data-sovereignty), particularly the concern that the users’ data can be accessed by the Russian government. This is an **alarming issue**, especially if your business handles [sensitive information](https://www.bleepingcomputer.com/news/security/infosys-mccamish-says-lockbit-stole-data-of-6-million-people/). ### Intellectual property is at risk Your [intellectual property](https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/intellectualproperty.asp) is your company’s asset and you **cannot afford to compromise** it. But if the software you use is vulnerable to cyber threats, so is your intellectual property. ### System compatibility issues _Since the ban will render your existing Kaspersky antivirus software outdated, it means that you might eventually start facing compatibility issues with your system and other software._ Without the updates and patches, you might also face **operational inefficiencies** and [vulnerabilities](/phishing-protection/microsoft-uncovers-high-severity-android-vulnerabilities/) in your IT infrastructure. ## What should be your next steps? If your organization is currently using Kaspersky antivirus software, don’t fret! Although you have until 29 September 2024 to **switch to a different antivirus**, you cannot be complacent about it and should act fast! [![Antivirus Software](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/what-is-dkim-selector-3.jpg)](https://media.mailhop.org/duocircle/images/2024/07/what-is-dkim-selector-3.jpg) Moreover, instead of simply looking out for alternatives, you should also consider upgrading your [cybersecurity strategies](https://securitybrief.com.au/story/adapting-cybersecurity-strategies-to-the-escalating-threat-landscape) and incorporating more robust measures. After all, cybersecurity is not just about protecting against known threats but also about being **prepared for future challenges**. Want more such insights on the world of cybersecurity, along with comprehensive **authentication solutions**, like [SPF](/content/spf-record-check), [DKIM](/resources/what-is-dkim), and [DMARC](/email/dmarc), to safeguard your email ecosystem? DuoCircle is your ally! [Get in touch](/) with us today to learn more about our services! ## Topics SecurityUpdates ![Brad Slavin](https://media.mailhop.org/dmarcreport/images/team/brad-slavin.jpg) Brad Slavin General Manager General Manager at DuoCircle. Product strategy and commercial lead across the email security portfolio. ## Secure your email infrastructure Protect, authenticate, and deliver. Contact our team to find the right solution. [Contact Sales](/contact/) [Explore Products](/products/) ## Related Articles [ Privacy 6m AI Models Are Stealing Your Passwords By Listening To Your Keyboard Oct 20, 2023 ](/blog/data-privacy/ai-models-are-stealing-your-passwords-by-listening-to-your-keyboard/)[ Privacy 5m Are MortalKombat Ransomware and Tengyun Snake Attacks Emerging Email Threats? Jul 20, 2023 ](/blog/data-privacy/are-mortalkombat-ransomware-and-tengyun-snake-attacks-emerging-email-threats/)[ Privacy 3m Check Point Research Q1 2024 Results- Microsoft, Google, and Linkedin Topped the List; Airbnb is a New Entry Apr 18, 2024 ](/blog/data-privacy/check-point-research-q1-2024-microsoft-google-linkedin-lead-airbnb-joins/)[ Privacy 6m Cyber Security vs Ethical Hacking: What’s the Difference? 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