Australia bans Kaspersky from government computers

In the context of the Russian war of aggression against Ukraine, many have lost confidence in the Russian security software provider Kaspersky. In some countries, the software is therefore already taboo on government computers, with the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warning against its use. Last weekend, the Australian government banned the installation of Kaspersky software on government PCs and the use of Kaspersky web services.

A short news item on the website of the Protective Security Policy Framework, which is part of the Department of Home Affairs, explains on Friday that the department has published the binding directive to government institutions to avert a "security risk to the Commonwealth". The directive requires Australian government agencies to prevent the installation of Kaspersky Lb, Inc software and the use of the company's web services – and where found, to remove them in all instances.

Kaspersky removal: time until April

The PDF on the directive provides some more information and background. In it, Australian Home Affairs Minister Stephanie Foster states, "Having reviewed the threat and risk assessment, I have concluded that the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services by Australian Government agencies poses an unacceptable security risk to the Australian Government, its networks and data arising from the threat of foreign interference, espionage and sabotage. I also see the need for a strong policy signal to [operators of] critical infrastructure and other Australian government entities on the unacceptable security risk associated with the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services."

By April 1 of this year, all non-business Commonwealth entities must identify and remove all existing instances of Kaspersky products and web services on Australian Government systems and devices. They must also prevent the installation and use of these products and web services. Finally, government entities must report on the enforcement of the directive. In exceptional cases, institutions can request an exemption in special cases. However, these are only limited in time.

The Russian war of aggression against Ukraine is becoming more and more of a problem for Kaspersky. Following the de facto US ban, Google kicked Kaspersky out of the Play Store last October; you can no longer officially buy Kaspersky in the USA. The company is also prohibited from distributing and making updates available there. In Germany, the BSI's warning against Kaspersky software remains in place. Australia is now the next country to ban Kaspersky.

(dmk)