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douglas9

(4,916 posts)
18. Investigations Local governments keep using this software but it might be a back door for Russia
Mon Jul 24, 2017, 08:03 AM
Jul 2017

Local and state government agencies from Oregon to Connecticut say they are using a Russian brand of security software despite the federal government’s instructions to its own agencies not to buy the software over concerns about cyberespionage, records and interviews show.

The federal agency in charge of purchasing, the General Services Administration, this month removed Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab from its list of approved vendors. In doing so, the agency’s statement suggested a vulnerability exists in Kaspersky that could give the Russian government backdoor access to the systems it protects, though they offered no explanation or evidence of it. Kaspersky has strongly denied coordinating with the Russian government and has offered to cooperate with federal investigators.

The GSA’s move on July 11 has left state and local governments to speculate about the risks of sticking with the company or abandoning taxpayer-funded contracts, sometimes at great cost. The lack of information from the GSA underscores a disconnect between local officials and the federal government about cybersecurity.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/investigations/local-governments-keep-using-this-software--but-it-might-be-a-back-door-for-russia/2017/07/23/39692918-6c99-11e7-8961-ec5f3e1e2a5c_story.html

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It has a good reputation still_one Mar 2017 #1
I know, but I just can't get those Russian ties out of my mind mvd Mar 2017 #2
It's my fave tirebiter Mar 2017 #3
Not an expert I assume nothing is safe to use. gordianot Mar 2017 #4
I don't do anything considered risky mvd Mar 2017 #7
Kaspersky himself is ex-KGB Loki Liesmith Mar 2017 #5
I use it along with malwarebytes... Most of my concerns were assuaged by past NRP and Bloomberg hlthe2b Mar 2017 #6
Thanks to everyone for the responses mvd Mar 2017 #8
I know that they have picked up nastyware sooner than any other antivirus Warpy Mar 2017 #9
If Russian hackers, viruses and malware are everywhere, I'd rather democratisphere Mar 2017 #10
I think it is safe to use Kaspersky perry77 Mar 2017 #11
I thought I heard Kaspersky mentioned in the intelligence hearing? mvd Mar 2017 #12
US government is reviewing whether to use Kaspersky software, because Russia douglas9 May 2017 #13
Kaspersky Anti-Virus has long had PR problems Denzil_DC May 2017 #14
I decided to use BitDefender mvd May 2017 #15
Bill Would Bar Pentagon From Business With Russian Cyber Firm Kaspersky (6.28.2017) douglas9 Jun 2017 #16
This message was self-deleted by its author douglas9 Jul 2017 #17
Investigations Local governments keep using this software but it might be a back door for Russia douglas9 Jul 2017 #18
Report: FBI Asks Private Sector Companies To Stop Using Kaspersky Products douglas9 Aug 2017 #19
Thanks for the updates mvd Aug 2017 #20
Message auto-removed Name removed Aug 2017 #21
Kaspersky software banned from US government systems over concerns about Russia douglas9 Sep 2017 #22
The whole issue seems more about politics than technology. ManiacJoe Sep 2017 #23
New Development: Denzil_DC Sep 2017 #24
This message was self-deleted by its author douglas9 Sep 2017 #25
If you are a govt contractor, no. Loki Liesmith Sep 2017 #26
One word, Russian. SonofDonald Sep 2017 #27
I uninstalled KIS off three PCs DonaldsRump Sep 2017 #28
This message was self-deleted by its author douglas9 Sep 2017 #29
Ex-NSA Hackers Are Not Surprised by Bombshell Kaspersky Report douglas9 Oct 2017 #30
Latest Discussions»Help & Search»Computer Help and Support»is Kaspersky safe to use?»Reply #18