 "Kaspersky responds to allegations of inappropriate ties with the Russian Government")
Russia’s Kaspersky Lab, which faces US allegations of having links with Russian intelligence agencies , today said it does not have “inappropriate ties” with any government nor has it helped anyone with cyber espionage. The US has asked federal agencies to stop using Kaspersky software on concerns of possible ties between the companys officials, the Kremlin and Russian intelligence services, which it said could potentially risk US national security.
The move comes amid heightened tensions between Russia and the US over allegations of Moscow interfering in last years US presidential election. US-based electronics retailer Best Buy has reportedly said it will no longer sell software made by the Russian company .
The statement from the company reads as:
Given that Kaspersky Lab doesn’t have inappropriate ties with any government, the company is disappointed with the decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), but also is grateful for the opportunity to provide additional information to the agency in order to confirm that these allegations are completely unfounded. No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions, including the claims about Russian regulations and policies impacting the company. Kaspersky Lab has always acknowledged that it provides appropriate products and services to governments around the world to protect those organizations from cyber threats, but it does not have unethical ties or affiliations with any government, including Russia.
In addition, more than 85 percent of its revenue comes from outside of Russia, which further demonstrates that working inappropriately with any government would be detrimental to the company’s bottom line. These ongoing accusations also ignore the fact that Kaspersky Lab has a 20-year history in the IT security industry of always abiding by the highest ethical business practices and trustworthy technology development.
Regarding the Russian polices and laws being misinterpreted, the laws and tools in question are applicable to telecom companies and Internet Service Providers (ISPs), and contrary to the inaccurate reports, Kaspersky Lab is not subject to these laws or other government tools, including Russia’s System of Operative-Investigative Measures (SORM), since the company doesn’t provide communication services. Also, it’s important to note that the information received by the company, as well as traffic, is protected in accordance with legal requirements and stringent industry standards, including encryption, digital certificates and more.
Kaspersky Lab has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyberespionage or offensive cyber efforts, and it’s disconcerting that a private company can be considered guilty until proven innocent, due to geopolitical issues. The company looks forward to working with DHS, as Kaspersky Lab ardently believes a deeper examination of the company will substantiate that these allegations are without merit.
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In addition, Eugene Kaspersky, CEO of Kaspersky Lab, said, “Given that Kaspersky Lab doesn’t have inappropriate ties with any government, the company is disappointed with the decision by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), and we will use this opportunity to provide additional information to the agency in order to confirm that these allegations are completely unfounded. No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions, including the claims about Russian regulations and policies impacting the company.”
Previously, Kaspersky has indicated that it has been caught in the political crossfire between US and Russia, and Eugene Kaspersky had offered to respond to any questions that the US Government may have.
With inputs from PTI