Australia has officially banned the installation of security software from Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky, citing national security risks.
The decision, announced by the Department of Home Affairs, prohibits government entities from using Kaspersky products and mandates the removal of existing installations by April 1, 2025.
Stephanie Foster PSM, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, stated that the decision was based on a thorough threat and risk analysis.
“After considering threat and risk analysis, I have determined that the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services by Australian Government entities poses an unacceptable security risk to Australian Government, networks and data, arising from threats of foreign interference, espionage and sabotage,” she said.
She further emphasized that entities must be cautious of Kaspersky’s extensive data collection practices and the potential for that data to be exposed to foreign government directives that conflict with Australian law.
Despite the ban, agencies can request exemptions for “legitimate business reasons,” provided they implement strict mitigation measures.
These exemptions, however, will be time-limited and restricted to compliance and law enforcement functions.
Australia’s move follows a similar ban by the U.S. government in June 2024, which barred Kaspersky from selling its products in the country or providing updates to existing customers. Kaspersky subsequently exited the U.S. market in mid-July 2024.
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