Biden Administration to Ban Kaspersky Cybersecurity Products Over National Security Concerns
• The Biden administration is preparing to issue an order prohibiting US companies and citizens from using software made by Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab due to national security concerns.
• The order would use new Commerce Department authorities to ban certain Kaspersky products and services. This would be unprecedented for a private company.
• The goal is to mitigate risk to critical US infrastructure. Kaspersky's antivirus software is a particular focus.
• US officials allege Russia could force Kaspersky to hand over data or use its software for hacking/surveillance, which the company denies.
• This move signals the Commerce Department's willingness to intervene more in the technology industry to address perceived national security threats.