Kaspersky displeased with ‘political nature’ of Australian government’s decision

The decision to ban Kaspersky antivirus software and other related products by Australia’s government, is fed by what is currently happening in the world rather than by any technical assessment.

“Kaspersky is disappointed with the decision of the Department of Home Affairs of Australia to stop and prevent the use of Kaspersky products and web services on Australian government systems and devices,” a Kaspersky spokesperson said in a statement.

“Kaspersky believes that the decision stems from the current geopolitical climate and was not supported by any technical assessment of the company’s products, which the company has been continuously advocating for. The fact that the directive was issued without any warning or opportunity for engagement to address the Australian government’s concerns highlights its political nature,” he continues.

According to Kaspersky, the government’s allegations were made without any evidence or due process. Although government agencies are no longer allowed to use Kaspersky products, the company will continue supporting Australian users.

Lastly, Kaspersky says it’s willing to discuss the security of its products with Australia’s government ‘in an open and transparent manner’.

Earlier this week, the Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs announced a ban for all Kaspersky products on government systems and devices.

“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 the Australian government, networks, and data, arising from threats of foreign interference, espionage, and sabotage,” Stephanie Foster, Minister of Home Affairs, said in a statement.

Government organizations have until April 1st, 2025, to identify and remove all existing Kaspersky products from their systems and devices.

In July 2024, the United States imposed a ban on Kaspersky products out of fear that the Russian government would ‘collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information’.