The Dutch Cabinet feels that there is a risk of espionage through the use of Kaspersky's products and so recommended the software is not used (aligning with the US and UK), although the even-handed politicos also pointed out that there are no concrete cases of abuse in the Netherlands. He said, 'as a precautionary measure, Kaspersky antivirus software the national government will be phased out.' In it he warned the Russian Federation has an active offensive cyber programme focused on Dutch interests and pointed out that Kaspersky is a Russian company, headquartered in Russia and so subject to Russian legislation. Justice Minister Ferdinand Grapperhaus has issued a letter with stern words for the Russian outfit. Dutch heatīut that may be a little too late for the government of the Netherlands.

With action under way in the US to remove Kaspersky software from government PCs, the current NCSC block on the use of its AV on systems processing information classified SECRET still in place in the UK, and Twitter turning its nose up at the firm's ad money, the vendor is hoping that a caring, transparent image might waft away the lingering odour of Russian interference. Our conversations with Kaspersky continue and this move will be discussed as part of our ongoing dialogue. This is a move in the right direction to potentially address risks to wider UK organisations and the public. Whilst this does not currently change our advice on systems with a national security purpose we welcome this move. Questions around Kaspersky have been raised over the last few years, including whether the firm has ties to the Russian government in any capacity, and whether the products are vulnerable.

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