Australia has joined the U.S., banning Kaspersky security products for government use, citing “unacceptable security risk to Australian Government.”
Kaspersky provides some of the world’s most popular cybersecurity products, but the company’s roots in Russia have become a growing concern, both as a result of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and because of Russia’s support of various hacking groups.
The U.S. banned Kaspersky in June 2024—following a government-specific ban in 2017—citing the company’s close ties with the Kremlin, including accusations the company has repeatedly cooperated with Russian authorities, including the FSB.
“The case against Kaspersky Lab is overwhelming,” Senator Jeanne Shaheen said at the time. “The strong ties between Kaspersky Lab and the Kremlin are alarming and well-documented.”
Australia is now following suit, although only banning Kaspersky for government use, as opposed to the more full-scale ban implemented by the U.S.
Stephanie Foster, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, outlined concerns regarding continued use of Kaspersky products.
After considering threat and risk analysis, I have determined that the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services by Australian Government entities poses an unacceptable security risk to Australian Government, networks and data, arising from threats of foreign interference, espionage and sabotage. 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.
The directive leaves the door open for specific exemptions, although any such exemptions would require secure mitigations to be in place.
The Accountable Authority may seek an exemption for a legitimate business reason, limited to national security and regulatory functions, for the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services on Australian Government systems and devices and must ensure that appropriate mitigations are in place.
Kaspersky has continued to maintain its innocence, saying its products can be trusted and are secure.
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