Kaspersky is no longer an approved US government vendor due to Russian ties

Long time foe of Microsoft’s Windows Defender anti-virus, Kaspersky, has been removed from the US governments approved vendors list after concerns were raised that the software provided by the vendor could allow the Kremlin access to the US government’s secure computer systems.

The vendor list relates to the U.S. General Services Administration’s list of vendors for contracts that cover information technology services and digital photographic equipment.

Kaspersky argued that it was a victim of a geopolitical affair, with both sides of the fight making use of the firm as a tool.

In a statement defending itself, the firm noted that “Kaspersky Lab has no ties to any government, and the company has never helped, nor will help, any government in the world with its cyber espionage efforts”.

A US spokeswoman (via Reuters) noted that this decision was taken “after review and careful consideration,”  with the main priority being ” to ensure the integrity and security of U.S. government systems and networks.”

Kaspersky’s ties to Russia are troubling coming after accusations leveled by the US government of the Russian government colluding with Donald Trump’s Electoral campaign.

While the Russian government has denied the allegations. Donald Trump Jr. has since confirmed that the Russian government communicated a desire to assist his father’s victory in the election, a charge he had vociferously denied over the past year.

Kaspersky is not at this time implicated in any of these discussions.