Yup. Kaspersky is branded a Russian government agent through guilt by association. If they have proof the company is trying to subvert US national security, then ban it. But stop with these insinuations that its just bad because its Russian. I use Kaspersky to protect my PC from ransomware, so I'm admittedly biased in giving them the benefit of the doubt.
That's perfectly true. In all of the controversy over hacking and spying, we've seen accusations thrown up but no real proof of wrong-doing has been offered. We're still waiting for it.
I like Kaspersky software too and always have. There is a lot being omitted from the news, though. The Feds would not act on something like this without considerable motive. Come on, this is the FBI. That's why I look at this funny. There must be more to it, but sure, no proof. I'll keep using K standalones until proven otherwise. And watching.
From TheGuardian -- 5/11/17: "...Six leading intelligence officials told a Senate hearing on external threats to the United States of their concerns over the firm’s broad presence, without specifying the particular threat they see. Asked if he was aware of a security threat tied to Kaspersky software, FBI acting director Andrew McCabe replied: 'We are very concerned about it and we are focused on it very closely.'..." Also indicating their concerns in brief were the heads of the CIA, NSA, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and the director of national intelligence. 'I am personally aware and involved as director of the National Security Agency in the Kaspersky Lab issue,' NSA head Mike Rogers said...." https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2017/may/11/kaspersky-labs-cybersecurity-us-senate-intelligence Re: The FBI Investigation: This may be a routine part of the ongoing investigation mentioned by Acting Director McCabe or the the FBI has found something to arouse suspicions and has either intensified its efforts or has opened a specific criminal or counter-intelligence investigation. Re: The Proposed Ban On Kaspersky Products in The DOD: Here's the thing: We know that Eugene Kaspersky has ties to high-level Officials of The Russian Government - no big deal in itself since most high-profile business owners and oligarchs in Russia would also have had such contacts. It has also been reported that Kaspersky Labs was reorganized several years ago and several former member of the FSB assumed executive positions within the Kaspersky enterprise. Given the current climate repecting Russian hacking, can, or should, any Congress Critter or official in The US Government/Department of Defense take the risk that The Russian Government or its intelligence agencies would not mortally or financially threaten Eugene Kaspersky or otherwise through FSB plants turn their systems against The USA or exfiltrate confidential/secret data? Yes it may be totally unfair to Kasperky, but that is the reality. Banning Kaspersky is a no-brainer for a Government Official or Political figure -- they have nothing to lose (other than excellent products). It's kinda mute point cuz if you read TheGuardian article or watch that hearing, a link to which I previously provided in this thread **, at least the Intelligence Community (CIA, NSA,DNI) has purged their systems and all contractors' systems of Kaspersky products and components and The DOD has likely done the same. ** https://www.wilderssecurity.com/threads/is-kaspersky-a-red-herring.374424/page-4#post-2674259
Thanks hawki. I had to go back and read what you'd posted back in May for more detailed explanations. The disclosure about government dumping of K software has to be hurtful. Kaspersky is a privately held corporation, so it's not obliged to disclose any details about its financial status or all the sources of its funding.....
NP plat hawki just happened to watch that hearing and is more than happy to share what he learned with The Forum.
Hi, hawki, I didn't realise that the above was connected with this thread you had created here...I had the usual reference from the "mystery" moderator that it was.
@clubhouse1 It happens. Good idea on a major story to use The Forum's Seach Function before posting. Wilders' members are very sharp,well-informed, and quick on the trigger. Chances are that on a major story another member has beat you to the punch.
It boils down to this. Russia or the US is has brought us into the next cold war. This time around it includes Cyber warfare. Technically Cyber is the same as launching a nuke. That is what this new age is about. And so the choice is many. Launch an all out physical war or do it by cyber and sanctions. Or try to do it politically. This new cold war includes China and North Korea. At present this is a slippery slope. This may or may not be a political move but we might not ever know the motives of the DOD. I am sure more details will come out. It is surprising Kaspersky is not only dealing with MS but is also dealing with the DOD. That is a very tough battle.
"...Kremlin documents suggest link between cyber giant and Russia spy agency... The documents are certifications issued to the company by the Russian Security Service, the spy agency known as the FSB. Unlike the stamped approvals the FSB routinely issues to companies seeking to operate in Russia, Kaspersky’s include an unusual feature: a military intelligence unit number matching that of an FSB program... In a statement to McClatchy, the company did not directly address the reference to an FSB military unit number in several of its certificates dating to 2007. The certificates are posted on Kaspersky’s web site..." http://www.mcclatchydc.com/news/nation-world/national/article159342694.html#storylink=indep
"How Worried Should We Really Be About Security Firm Kaspersky Lab’s Ties to Russia?... Of course, it’s possible that Kaspersky is busy selling out all of its customers to the Russian government—but it’s hard to see how a certificate with Cyrillic script, or an effort to help Russian authorities combat DDoS attacks, or some employees who used to work for the Russian military justify that conclusion. If U.S. officials have some better intelligence about the ties between Kaspersky and the Russian government then they owe it to the millions of Kaspersky customers worldwide to make that information public. If, however, they’re just acting out of fear and hostility toward Russia in general, then they’re potentially making a big mistake—one that could easily weaken the security of U.S. computer systems rather than strengthening it, and have serious consequences for U.S.-based firms if other countries decide to follow suit." http://www.slate.com/blogs/future_t...about_security_firm_kaspersky_lab_s_ties.html
At least Kaspersky have Vipre watching their back https://blog.vipreantivirus.com/fea...7112017&utm_content=Antivirus_Giant_Kaspersky
"Ended" but is equivalent to 25% off: "VIPRE today announced an exclusive program for businesses and consumers concerned about the security of their data currently being protected by another anti-virus/anti-malware solution. Under a new buyback program offered through June 30, current Kaspersky Lab customers will receive a free six-month subscription when purchasing a two-year license for any VIPRE security solution. Kaspersky Lab, headquartered in Russia, has come under scrutiny by the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), leery that Russia could exploit Kaspersky solutions to access U.S. user information. On May 11, several major U.S. intelligence officials unanimously said during a Senate Intelligence Committee meeting that they would not use Kaspersky security products on their own computers As a longtime trusted security provider based in the U.S., VIPRE has a strong presence in the commercial, consumer and public sector markets..." https://www.vipreantivirus.com/kaspersky-buy-back.aspx hawki views this as punching a bit "below-the-belt," but also understands that all is fair in Love and War. Wondering when ThreatTrack is going to add the color red to the blue and white Vipre Logo and Box. Also wondering if Eugene regrets his taking weekly saunas (banya night) with Russian intelligence officials during which hawki, perhaps naively, presumes the subject of conversation is ice hockey. http://www.ewdn.com/2015/03/30/kasp...ith-russian-secret-service-asserts-bloomberg/
"Trump administration limits government use of Kaspersky Lab software https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-kasperskylab-idUSKBN19W2W2 ** "http://www.politico.com/story/2017/07/11/trump-russian-security-software-240423 https://www.theregister.co.uk/2017/07/11/uncle_sam_says_nyet_to_kaspersky/ The view from the other side of the coin: https://www.rt.com/usa/396065-kaspersky-gsa-vendor-list-removed/
So how does the affect other vendors that use some Kaspersky technology, such as Israel based Zone Alarm?
HAHA. I received a call from "Windows" saying they have a good security solution for my computer which has been infected and they can prove by reading the event log in windows. Not sure if I should dump Kaspersky for that or not lol. Also recently received a call from "IRS" who is coming to arrest me lol. KGB hasn't called me yet. Doh
LOL. That's when it would be fun to give them access to a Linux VM to let them prove you are infected and see how long they look for that event log. I haven't received that KGB call yet either.
