NSA investigates Kaspersky antivirus software over spy concerns

The American authorities are investigating Kaspersky, the Russian maker of antivirus software. There are concerns that the software maker may have ties to the Russian government and spy on American computer systems.

During a meeting of a US Senate committee, Mike Rogers, who works for the NSA, said Kaspersky is being “monitored,” the Reuters news agency reported. However, Rogers gave few details, so it is not clear what exactly the investigation by the American intelligence service consists of. It is also not clear whether there are concrete suspicions.

There are concerns about Kaspersky within the US government. For example, the company is suspected of having ties to the Russian government, and that it would use its antivirus software to spy on American computer systems and to sabotage networks. Senator Joe Manchin, among others, said that there are serious concerns about Kaspersky’s activities.

In response, Kaspersky said it has no ties to any government as a commercial company. Founder Eugene Kaspersky said he regrets that Americans cannot use his antivirus software for political reasons.