Australia has officially banned government representatives from using Kaspersky software, referring to national security risks. Last week, the Home Office published an order banning the installation of Kaspersky products in state systems and calling for the removal of existing installations until April 1st. Authorities argue that the software of Russian cybersecurity companies represents "unacceptable security risks" from the potential threats of foreign intervention, espionage and sabotage.
This step will allow Australia to join other members of the five Eyes Intelligence Alliance, including Canada, the UK and the US, to limit the use of Kaspersky software. The US previously banned the company's products nationwide in June 2024, prompting Kaspersky to leave the US market. The company also began cutting its operations in the UK at the end of 2023. Kaspersky spokesman Stefan Rojacher expressed disappointment over the Australian decision, declaring that he could not warn or respond to concerns before the promulgation of the ban.
The increased ban on Kaspersky software highlights the growing global concerns about cybersecurity risks associated with foreign software providers, particularly those linked to Russia. Governments fear that Kaspersky’s tools could be exploited for intelligence gathering, leading to widespread restrictions on its products. The ban in Australia signals further tightening of cybersecurity policies as nations work to safeguard sensitive government data from potential foreign threats.
