Kaspersky Lab rejects claims of Russian influence

Kasperksy Lab has rejected allegations from the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that it has ties to the Russian Government and poses a threat to national security, and expressed disappointment with the decision to ban the use of its software on US Government systems.

The DHS recently ordered all US agencies to remove products from the Russia-based Kaspersky Lab from their systems within 90 days.

The agency cited concerns that Kaspersky antivirus products provide broad access to files and escalated privileges on systems running the software, and that the Russian Government could use this access to compromise federal information and information systems.

But in a statement, Kaspersky Lab founder Eugene Kaspersky denied that the company has inappropriate ties with any government.

“No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organisation as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions, including the claims about Russian regulations and policies impacting the company,” he said.

Regarding allegations that Russian law allows intelligence agencies to compel assistance from Kaspersky in intercepting communications transiting Russian networks, Kaspersky Lab said this is a misinterpretation of Russian law.

The laws in question are applicable only to telecommunications companies and ISPs, and Kaspersky Lab has never and will never help any government with “cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts”, the company said.

Writing for Forbes, Eugene Kaspersky also said he is willing and has repeatedly offered to meet with government officials, testify before US Congress, submit its source code for an official audit or discuss other means to address the government’s concerns.

“While we continue to suffer from these meritless accusations, the US Government continues to take actions against our products. These moves have even led to reports of a former national security expert agreeing that Kaspersky is being treated unfairly,” he said, referring to comments from former US intelligence cyberwarfare operative Robert Lee.

“It looks to me like the reason for being shunned (despite our many offers to assist) can only be one thing: geopolitical turbulence. Despite a lack of evidence as to the reasons why we’re being targeted, one thing does seem to be crystal clear: we are caught in the middle of a geopolitical fight.”

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