Anti-virus software used by millions ‘could expose users to Russian hackers’ – how to protect yourself

INTERNET users have been advised not to use a popular anti-virus software for fear it could be used by the Kremlin to spy or carry out cyberattacks.

Security officials are concerned that Moscow-based Kaspersky could be coerced by the Kremlin into carrying out illegal activities amid the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.

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Germany’s cybersecurity agency has warned millions of people to look for an alternative product due to the “significant risk” of an attack due to threats against Western nations.

“A Russian IT manufacturer could carry out hacking operations on its own, be forced to attack targeted systems against their will, or be monitored without their knowledge as a victim of a terrorist attack.” a network activity or be abused as a tool for attacks against their own customers,” said the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI).

The agency did not present any specific evidence or allegations of negligence with respect to the company’s current products.

Kaspersky, which has been in business for about 25 years, emphasizes that caution is politically motivated.

Founder Eugene Kaspersky said his company had only a few hours to deal with “bogus and baseless allegations”.

“This is not an invitation to dialogue – it is an insult,” he said.

“No evidence of malicious use or abuse of Kaspersky has ever been discovered and demonstrated in the company’s 25-year history despite numerous attempts to do so.”

He also spoke out against the ongoing conflict, saying: “The war in Ukraine can only be ended through diplomacy, and we all hope for an end to hostilities and a continuation of the conflict. phone”.

Back in 2017, then-US President Donald Trump banned the government from using Kaspersky software.

The UK’s National Cyber ​​Security Center (NCSC) also warned departments against using it the same year.

In another blow to Kaspersky, the German football club Eintracht Frankfurt terminated the sponsorship contract with the company.

CEO Axel Hellmann said: “The BSI warning represents a decisive change in the real situation and therefore we are confident in the ability of our products and services to provide protection. Kaspersky service.

“We have notified Kaspersky’s management that we will be terminating the sponsorship agreement with immediate effect.”

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