Biden administration preparing to prevent Americans from using Russian-made software over national security concern

The Biden administration is preparing to take the unusual step of issuing an order that would prevent US companies and citizens from using software made by a major Russian cybersecurity firm because of national security concerns, five US officials familiar with the matter told CNN.

The move, which is being finalized and could happen as soon as this month, would use relatively new Commerce Department authorities built on executive orders signed by Presidents Joe Biden and Donald Trump to prohibit Kaspersky Lab from providing certain products and services in the US, the sources said.

Nothing is final until it is announced, the sources cautioned, but the Commerce Department has made an “initial determination” to prohibit certain transactions between the Russian company and US persons, the sources said.

It`s the latest US government effort to use its vast regulatory powers to prevent Americans from using popular technology that US officials consider a national security risk.

The sources declined to detail the full scope of any final order against Kaspersky products, but its focus is expected to be on the firm`s anti-virus software.

A Commerce Department spokesperson declined to comment on any potential pending action related to Kaspersky products.

US officials have for years alleged that the Russian government could force Kaspersky Lab to hand over data or use its anti-virus software to attempt to carry out hacking or surveillance of Americans — accusations that Kaspersky Lab strenuously denies.

Under US law, Kaspersky Lab can appeal the “initial determination” to prohibit use of its products or strike a deal with the government that mitigates US security concerns before any final ruling from Commerce is announced.

More than 400 million people and 240,000 companies worldwide use Kaspersky Lab`s software products, according to the company. (read more cnn)

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