Homeland Security Dept bars Kapersky software; Russian intel intrusion feared

DEBKAfile was founded by a team of journalists in June 2000 as an independent Internet Web site, providing an intelligence and security news service. September 14, 2017, 11:53 AM (IDT)

Amid concern that cybersecurity software made by Kapersky Lab is vulnerable to intrusion by Russian intelligence services, the US Department of Homeland Security on Wednesday barred American federal agencies from using the company’s products. It said in a statement that “the Russian government could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems”, directly affecting US national security. It noted that Russian law permits the country’s intelligence agencies “to request or compel assistance from Kaspersky and to intercept communications transiting Russian networks”. The company is reported to have a close working relationship with Russia’s FSB intelligence agency.
In response to the department’s statement, Kapersky claimed it “has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts”. The company alleged that it is being considered guilty due to geopolitical issues. Kapersky is said to have 400 million users around the globe. 

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