Cyber Security Expert Says ‘Don’t Use Russian Antivirus’

A cyber security expert has warned against using Russian antivirus software

It’s pretty clear at the moment that our relationship with Russia isn’t brilliant at the moment. Given the recent revelations of their direct involvement in both Brexit and the US Presidential votes, concerns have been raised about their influence online. Specifically in regards to spying on users.

Such issues have already seen Facebook talking to the US Senate and even Google de-ranking major Russian news outlets.

Such revelations have led cybersecurity expert, Ciaran Martin, to issue a stark warning to Whitehall in London. Put simply, do not use Russian antivirus, they might be watching you!

Kaspersky is, pretty much, Russians only main antivirus software provider. This warning, however, does even stretch to companies who even have links with Russia and therefore is quite a swiping statement.

In Soviet Russia, Antivirus Spies on You!

That headline, incidentally, refers to the comedian Yakov Smirnoff. If we’re are being honest though, Russia’s behaviour recently does hark back to the days of Cold War espionage. In addition, the last thing we need at the moment is another Russia hacking incident.

Having recently seen Russia use video game footage in an attempt to link the US to ISIS, it’s clear we’re not on friendly terms.

In a report via the Guardian, Ciaran Martin, Head of the NCSC said that Russia has the intent to: “target UK central government and the UK’s critical national infrastructure” with “obvious risks around foreign ownership”. He added that Russia is a “highly capable cyber threat actor” which actively engages in online “espionage, disruption and influence operations”.

Personally, I’m happy to let Windows Defender take care of most of my security. This advice, however, might have a number of Kaspersky users hovering over the uninstall button. In addition, it again raises again the question of Russian online activity.

What do you think? Is Russian antivirus safe? Do you use Kaspersky and, following this, will you consider removing it?- Let us know in the comments!