The BSI adds that while consumers are likely to be the “last targeted” in the event of a successful attack, they could be the victim of “collateral” damage or spillover. “Companies and authorities with special security interests and operators of critical infrastructures are particularly at risk,” the statement adds. “A Russian IT manufacturer can carry out offensive operations itself, be forced to attack target systems against its will, or be spied on without its knowledge as a victim of a cyber operation, or be misused as a tool for attacks against its own customers,” the BSI said in a statement, explaining that antivirus software such as Kaspersky’s have deep system access and must maintain a permanent, encrypted and non-verifiable connection to the manufacturer’s servers. While the office is not explicitly banning the use of Kaspersky software, the security agency is urging German organizations to replace products made by the Moscow-headquartered firm with alternative software from non-Russian vendors, warning that Russia’s military and intelligence activities in Ukraine, along with its threats against Europe, NATO and Germany, means there is “a considerable risk of a successful IT attack.” The German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) warned organizations against using Kaspersky antivirus software over fears it could be exploited for cyber-espionage or launching cyberattacks amid Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine.
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