The U.S. government has announced an upcoming ban on Kaspersky anti-virus software that will come into force next month.

As reported by Hacker News, this "first of its kind" ban prohibits Russian companies from selling security software directly or indirectly in the country. However, it also applies to Kaspersky's affiliates, subsidiaries and parent companies.

In a press release announcing the ban, the U.S. Department of Commerce's Office of Industrial Security explained that the company's "continued operations in the U.S. presented a national security risk due to the Russian government's aggressive cyber capabilities and ability to influence or direct Kaspersky's operations.""

At the same time, Kaspersky has been added to the United States. List of government entities as a result of cooperation with the Russian military and intelligence authorities to support the purpose of cyber intelligence of the Russian government. The former product is banned for sale in the United States, but the ban on DJI drones has recently passed the house.

This is not the first time the U.S. government has chased a 26-year-old cybersecurity company. In 2017, Kaspersky's security software was banned from being used by government employees on the federal network due to national security concerns. Then, almost 5 years later, the company was added to the FCC's "covered list" of companies that pose an "unacceptable risk to national security" in the United States.

In response, a Kaspersky Lab spokesperson provided the following statement to Tom's Guide: Kaspersky believes that the Commerce Department made the decision based on the current geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than a comprehensive assessment of the integrity of Kaspersky's products and services. Kaspersky does not engage in activities that threaten U.S. national security, and in fact has made a significant contribution to reporting and protecting from various threat actors targeting U.S. interests and allies. We plan to pursue all legally available options to maintain our current operations and relationships."

From July20, American companies and consumers will not be able to purchase Kaspersky anti-virus and other security software. However, existing customers can receive updates until 9/29.

Kaspersky customers have 100 days to find a suitable alternative. We haven't heard anything yet about refunds for people with annual plans, but if the ban comes into force, the company could announce something along these lines.

Kaspersky Antivirus has long been the best antivirus for its excellent malware protection, light system impact, and included extras. It has been considered some of the best antivirus software in the world. If this ban takes effect, we will update all antivirus and security software guides accordingly.

For now, Kaspersky users should be looking for alternatives just in case. We strongly recommend Norton360 and Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, but there are many other antivirus software suites to consider. 

If you are using Windows, Microsoft's built-in Windows Defender antivirus is a great free option, and if you are using Mac, Apple also offers macOS and its own XProtect antivirus software

On mobile, Google Play Protect can help you protect your Android phone best, but because of Apple's malware scanning restrictions, the iPhone's There is no antivirus app. However, Intego Mac Internet Security X9 and Intego Mac Premium Bundle X9 (both listed in the mac Antivirus Software Guide) can scan for malware on your iphone or iPad if either device is connected to your Mac via a USB cable.

Stay tuned for the latest update so we will closely follow Kaspersky's ban.