Recent media stories, such as those noted below, have reported on suspected ties between Moscow-based cybersecurity company Kaspersky and Russian Intelligence, citing potential data security implications for users of Kaspersky’s products, including their popular anti-virus software.
In response to these suspicions, Rob Joyce, the nation’s cybersecurity coordinator, has issued a public warning regarding the use of software from Kaspersky Lab. In addition, both the House and Senate Armed Services Committees have approved legislation that, should it become law, would ban the U.S. military from owning or using any Kaspersky products.
While security risks claims involving Kaspersky are under assessment, we want to make sure that NYU community members who use their products are aware of the potential risks and take precautions if you are interested in doing so. NYU full- and part-time students, faculty, and staff at all NYU locations, including Shanghai and Abu Dhabi, can download antivirus software (Symantec Endpoint Protection) on Global Home’s Antivirus and Malware Protection card. For personal/private use, and other members of the NYU community, NYU’s Office of Information Security recommends Malwarebytes.
We will update this information as new developments become available, and will be in touch if any critical threats require your attention.
I am personally available for questions, comments or concerns at 212-998-1373, or cto@nyu.edu. For questions regarding any technical issues, you can also contact the NYU IT Service Desk 24/7.
Resources:
- Congress Casts a Suspicious Eye on Russia’s Kaspersky Lab, http://www.npr.org/sections/parallels/2017/07/05/535651597/congress-casts-a-suspicious-eye-on-russias-kaspersky-lab
- W.H. cybersecurity coordinator warns against using Kaspersky Lab software, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/kasperksy-lab-software-suspected-ties-russian-intelligence-rob-joyce/
Rich Mikelinich MS, CISA, CISSP, CCSK
Chief Technology Officer
NYU – Information Technology
726 Broadway, Room 248
New York, NY 10003
Office: 212-998-1373
Mobile: 203-623-4732
Email: cto@nyu.edu
Skype: projectized