Australia took action to prohibit the installation of Kaspersky‘s security software and internet services on government systems and devices after research revealed that the Russian company’s products constituted an “unacceptable security” risk to the country’s data and networks.
According to the Australian Department of Home Affairs accessed by BrandSpur digital news platform, the government instructed agencies to eliminate all Kaspersky instances by April 1st. While agencies requesting a “legitimate business reason” for continuing to use Kaspersky software may be granted a time-limited exemption, these agencies should be held accountable for any risks of data exposure resulting from the software.
Stephanie Foster, Secretary for the Department of Home Affairs had this to say: “I have also considered the important need for a strong policy signal to critical infrastructure and other Australian governments regarding the unacceptable security risk associated with the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services.”
Following a June U.S. injunction that barred the company from selling or updating its products, which led to the vendor’s removal from the market weeks later, Australia has banned Kaspersky software.
