Germany’s cybersecurity agency called on users of Kaspersky antivirus software to switch to an alternative over fears the Russian cybersecurity firm could be used to facilitate cyber attacks by the Russian government.
Russia’s military and intelligence activities in Ukraine, and its threats to EU and NATO allies, particularly Germany, mean there is “a considerable risk of a successful IT attack,” the Federal Cyber Security Authority (BSI) said in a statement.
“A Russian IT manufacturer can itself carry out offensive operations, can be forced to attack target systems against its will, or be itself spied on as a victim of a cyber operation without its knowledge, or be misused as a tool for attacks against its own customers,” the agency warned.
Companies and operators of critical infrastructure are particularly vulnerable but individuals could also be hit, the BSI said, inviting anyone in doubt to contact it for advice.
Kaspersky is among the largest vendors of IT security software
Kaspersky Lab was founded in 1997 by Eugene Kaspersky, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik; Eugene Kaspersky is currently the CEO. Kaspersky Lab develops and sells antivirus, internet security, password management, endpoint security, and other cybersecurity products and services.