Η Kaspersky Lab is reportedly in the middle of a rather unpleasant dispute between Washington and Moscow, as the Russian security company is being investigated by the US intelligence services.
US officials reportedly became increasingly concerned that Russian spies could use the software of Kaspersky to spy on Americans and sabotage American systems. So the National Security Agency (NSA) revealed that it is reviewing the government's use of productof the company.
Mike Rogers, Director of the NSA, told the Senate Committee that he personally participated in monitoring Kaspersky's issue, but he avoided mentioning more, probably because of the sensitive nature of the situation.
Defense Intelligence Agency Director Mr. Vincent Stewart also confirmed the investigation saying they are monitoring Kaspersky and its software.
Kaspersky, on the other hand, issued a statement earlier this week stating that allegations are false:
"The company has a 20-year history in the IT security industry, always following the highest ethical business practices, and Kaspersky Lab believes it is completely unacceptable to accuse the company unfairly without solid evidence to support these false allegations."
The company notes that taking part in such actions would destroy a multi-million dollar business that took decades to build it. In addition, Kaspersky notes that users have full control over telemetry, since their participation is voluntary.
Kaspersky also points out that over the past ten years, they have discovered and publicized several Russian-language cyber espionage campaigns, despite connection of the company with the country.
Eugene Kaspersky, founder and CEO of the company, also cited the issue during a session AMA at Reddit. He said he would be happy to testify before the Senate to clarify any concerns about the products he manufactures.
"I respectfully disagree with their opinion, and I am very sorry that these gentlemen can not use the best software on the market for political reasons," Kaspersky said.
