Appeals court upholds US government ban on Kaspersky software

A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., on Friday upheld the federal government’s ban on software from Moscow-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab.

The Russian company had fought the ban, claiming that it was unconstitutional and that Kaspersky has been unfairly singled out. 

However, a district court had ruled against Kaspersky’s claims, and the Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit on Friday agreed with that previous decision.

{mosads}The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) last year issued a directive ordering government agencies to stop using and remove Kaspersky Lab software over concerns about the firm’s ties to the Russian government. And Congress last year included a mandate for agencies to remove Kaspersky software from their systems in its annual defense bill.

Those decisions came amid concerns over Russian cyber threats, including interference in the 2016 presidential election.

Kaspersky said in a statement Friday that it is “disappointed” in the appeals court’s ruling, but that it “remains committed to providing industry-leading cybersecurity solutions to its customers.”

“Whether or not Kaspersky Lab decides to pursue further legal relief, the company will continue on its mission of saving the world from cyber threats,” the statement reads.

We are disappointed with today’s decision. However, we will still continue to offer the best protection to our customers and be open to working with government bodies around the world to fight cybercrime. #Securitywithoutborders pic.twitter.com/qdFw9sw8iW

— Eugene Kaspersky (@e_kaspersky) November 30, 2018