"Germany advises against using Kaspersky software due to hacking risk"

[Phil]

I recall that Kaspersky anti-virus / firewall software has cropped-up a couple of times in the past in discussions with forum users, so just thought I'd share this News that I spotted today:

Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned against using Kaspersky antivirus security products due to the company being headquartered in Russia.

The BSI said it recommends switching away from any Kaspersky product to another vendor because the company could be forced by the Russian state to carry out offensive cyber operations.

Germany advises against using Kaspersky software due to hacking risk

The Moscow-headquartered cyber security company has a history of being targeted for its alleged links to the Russian state

www.itpro.co.uk

 

[Phil]

FWIW I have long been a big fan and long-term user of Eset:

Antivirus and Internet Security for Home & Business | ESET

NEW for 2024 - Protect all your Home & Business devices with our award winning all-in-one security solutions for Windows, Android and macOS.

www.eset.com

 

[David]

FWIW I have long been a big fan and long-term user of Eset:

Antivirus and Internet Security for Home & Business | ESET

NEW for 2024 - Protect all your Home & Business devices with our award winning all-in-one security solutions for Windows, Android and macOS.

www.eset.com

Thank you, I’ve been looking for another internet security provider.

 

[Phil]

FYI new comments from the UK's Cyber security experts at the NCSC:

Use of Russian technology products and services following the invasion of Ukraine

We've had enquiries from people worried about their home IT. It almost certainly remains the case that nearly all individuals in the UK (and many enterprises) are not going to be targeted by Russian cyber attack, regardless of whether they use Russian products and services.

If your personal laptop uses Kaspersky AV (or other products):

• it's highly unlikely to be directly targeted
• it’s safe to turn on and use at the moment

However, you may need to move to a new AV product if Kaspersky itself becomes subject to sanctions, since the AV product would likely stop getting updates (and AV software is only effective if it's updated regularly).