Australia has ordered the removal of all Kaspersky cybersecurity software from government systems, citing risks of foreign interference and espionage. The directive, issued by the Department of Home Affairs, requires government agencies to completely eliminate Kaspersky products by April 1, 2025.
Stephanie Foster, Secretary of the Department of Home Affairs, declared that Kaspersky's products and services pose "an unacceptable security risk" to Australian government networks and data. The main concerns center around Kaspersky's extensive user data collection and potential exposure to foreign government directives that conflict with Australian law.
Under the new policy, government entities must:
- Remove all existing Kaspersky software from systems and devices
- Prevent any new installations
- Report completion to the Department of Home Affairs
Limited exemptions may be granted for specific regulatory or law enforcement functions, but these must be temporary and include appropriate security measures.
Australia joins several other nations in restricting Kaspersky products. The United States banned the company in June 2024, leading to Kaspersky's exit from the U.S. market. The United Kingdom and Canada have implemented similar restrictions.
Kaspersky expressed disappointment with Australia's decision, stating it was made without warning or technical assessment of their products. The company maintains it will continue serving non-government customers in Australia while remaining open to addressing security concerns with authorities.
The ban reflects growing global concerns about cybersecurity risks associated with foreign technology providers, particularly those with potential ties to governments that may have conflicting interests with Western nations.