WASHINGTON (AP) - The U.S. banned federal agencies Wednesday from using computer software supplied by Kaspersky Lab because of concerns about the company's ties to the Kremlin and Russian spy operations.
The directive issued by acting Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke comes as various U.S. law enforcement and intelligence agencies and several congressional committees are investigating Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election.
Kaspersky said in a statement it was disappointed by the directive and insisted "it does not have unethical ties or affiliations with any government, including Russia."
Duke directed all U.S. federal agencies and departments to stop using products or services supplied directly or indirectly by the Russian-owned and operated company. The directive gives agencies 30 days to determine whether they are using any Kaspersky products. The software must be removed from all information systems within 90 days.
"The department is concerned about the ties between certain Kaspersky officials and Russian intelligence and other government agencies," the directive said. It said the department also is concerned about Russian laws that would permit Russian spy agencies to compel Kaspersky to provide assistance or intercept communications transiting Russian networks.
"The risk that the Russian government - whether acting on its own or in collaboration with Kaspersky - could capitalize on access provided by Kaspersky products (in order) to compromise federal information and information systems directly implicates U.S. national security," the directive said.
The directive provides Kaspersky an opportunity to respond or mitigate the department's concerns.
Kaspersky said the company was happy to have an opportunity to provide information to show the allegations are unfounded.
"No credible evidence has been presented publicly by anyone or any organization as the accusations are based on false allegations and inaccurate assumptions, including claims about the impact of Russian regulations and policies on the company," Kaspersky said.