Feds Ban Use Of Software Made By Russian Company With Woburn Ties

WOBURN, MA -- Federal agencies will no longer be able to use software made by Kaspersky Lab, a Russian tech company which has its U.S. headquarters in Woburn. Citing ties between Kaspersky officials and the Putin government, acting Homeland Security Director Elaine Duke issued an edict ordering all federal agencies to stop using the firms software. Duke said Kaspersky software could be used by "malicious cyber actors" to access sensitive government documents and files.

Kaspersky makes antivirus and network security software. Federal agencies have 90 days to remove Kaspersky software from their computers. Duke's statement did not indicate whether or not the company's software had been used to compromise federal government computer networks.

About 85% of Kaspersky's $644 million in annual revenue comes from outside of Russia. Kaspersky has 37 offices in 32 countries, including its Woburn location. The company said it has "no inappropriate ties" with any government and that the Trump administration's accusations were not based on credible evidence.

"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 said in the statement. "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."

A spokesperson for the company declined further comment. Assertions about the company's ties to the Russian government have intensified as evidence has mounted suggesting Russian tampering with the 2016 presidential election. Earlier this month the company issued a similar release denying illicit ties to the Russian government after Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) wrote an op/ed column for the New York Times calling Kaspersky the "Russian company that is a danger to our security."

Kaspersky's Woburn offices are located in Unicorn Park. It has about 300 U.S.-based employees but is better known outside of the U.S. The company's Website says it has 270,000 clients worldwide.

Photo of Kaspersky Lab CEO Evgeny Kaspersky (left) and Russian Prime Minister via the Kremlin under a Creative Commons license.