Kaspersky Lab, which has locations across the globe, develops and sells antivirus software. The FBI has been investigating whether these programs contain back doors that could allow Russian intelligence to access computers the software runs on, reports NYT.
Amidst the investigation, the Department of Homeland Security has ordered all departments and agencies to discontinue use of and remove Kaspersky Lab products from information systems within 90 days.
“The Department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies,” reads the DHS directive. “The risk that the Russian government, whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky, could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security.”
The company has denied such claims.
“Kaspersky Lab has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts, and it’s disconcerting that a private company can be considered guilty until proven innocent, due to geopolitical issues,” the company said in a response obtained by ABC News.
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