Australia bans Kaspersky software on government systems over security risks

The Australian government has issued a directive prohibiting the use of cybersecurity software and web services from Kaspersky on government systems, citing national security considerations. Under the new policy, government agencies are required to remove existing Kaspersky products by April 2025 and refrain from installing them on government devices in the future.

According to a statement from Stephanie Foster, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, the decision follows a threat and risk assessment that identified security concerns related to the use of Kaspersky products and web services. The directive notes ‘unacceptable security risks arising from threats of foreign interference, espionage and sabotage’. The directive doesn’t provide details on threats and risks that have been recently identified and led to this decision.

In response to the decision, a Kaspersky spokesperson stated that the company was not given prior notice or an opportunity for engagement before the ban was issued. The company reiterated that the decision was influenced by geopolitical factors rather than technical assessments of its products. Despite the restriction on government use, Kaspersky confirmed that it will continue to provide services to other customers in Australia and remains open to discussions with authorities.

The move follows Australia’s earlier decision to prohibit the use of Chinese artificial intelligence firm DeepSeek’s technology in government systems, citing security risks.

Kaspersky has faced restrictions in multiple countries, with the US implementing a ban on its products in June 2024, followed by sanctions on several company executives. European nations, including Germany and the Netherlands, have also taken steps to limit the use of Kaspersky software in government infrastructure.

For more information on these topics, visit diplomacy.edu.