The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), Germany’s cyber security authority, recently issued a statement regarding its concern over the company, Kaspersky. Read more about the Kaspersky anti-virus warning below.
In light of the conflict in Ukraine, we all have to be more alert to any potential threats. As such, the European Union and NATO constantly monitor the risks. Recently, Germany flagged Kaspersky, a company that has its headquarters in Russia. According to the BSI, Russian information-technology businesses could be spied on or forced to launch cyber-attacks, that is why they have issued the Kaspersky anti-virus warning.
“A Russian IT manufacturer can carry out offensive operations itself, be forced against its will to attack target systems, or be spied on as a victim of a cyber operation without its knowledge or as a tool for attacks against its own customers,”
the warning said, as reported by BBC News. If you need some free advice regarding your business cyber security, contact us today.
The BSI recommends anyone using Kaspersky anti-virus products should replace them. However, you should be careful to avoid leaving your business vulnerable or with nothing at all.
This allegation has not come without reason. Conversely, during Trump’s tenancy, the US banned Kaspersky’s software from use within the government offices. In addition, in 2017, the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre wrote to all government departments, warning against using Kaspersky products for systems related to national security.
In light of this, in Germany, the BSI’s warning has already had an impact. For example, Eintracht Frankfurt football club spokesman Axel Hellmann told Bloomberg: “We have notified Kaspersky management that we are terminating [our] sponsorship agreement effective immediately.
“We very much regret the development.”
In answer to these allegations, Kaspersky said it would seek clarification from the BSI on its decision, which was “not based on a technical assessment of Kaspersky products”, and how to address its concerns. The company claims it has no ties to the Russian government and that this allegation is purely political.
In 2018, Kaspersky relocated its data-processing infrastructure to Switzerland.
“The security and integrity of our data services and engineering practices have been confirmed by independent third-party assessments”.
“We believe that peaceful dialogue is the only possible instrument for resolving conflicts,” it said.
“War isn’t good for anyone.”
At MFTS, we strongly recommend you assess your current security setup. This is because the risk of cyberattacks is higher than ever and you cannot afford to be complacent, no matter what your business.
Recognised as one of the top cyber security-providing companies in Kent, we are well placed to help you implement a system that will suit your needs.
Contact us via our website, or call 01892 577577 to talk through the options. Don’t leave it until it’s too late.