Removing Russian anti-virus software could put Cardiff Council ‘at greater risk’ they say
Cardiff Council have said that removing a Russian company’s anti-virus software could put their IT systems “at greater risk” of cyber attack.
The city’s Liberal Democrat group of councillors had called yesterday for Cardiff Council to immediately ditch its current usage of Russian-based Kaspersky anti-virus software.
Lib Dem Councillor Rodney Berman, said that the council should not continue to use a Russian company following sanctions against Russia. He also warned that the virus software could be a security risk.
However, Cardiff Council said that removing the anti-virus software without a better alternative could put them at greater risk and that they were seeking expert advice on whether a more secure system was available.
“The Council – like other public organisations – is engaged in active dialogue with the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) about its use of Kaspersky,” a spokesperson said.
“This is a well-known global cyber security company, which is used extensively by many organisations and businesses, and currently there is no warning being communicated to the public sector from the NCSC or other UK agencies about Kaspersky
“Removing Kaspersky, without due consideration, could place the council’s IT systems at greater risk of daily disruption and cyber attack. The system has been part of the council’s cyber-security system since 2008 and is widely used.
“The council is currently one-year into a three-year contract with Kaspersky. Monies for this specific contract were paid up front to secure the best price. As a consequence of that, ending this deal now would not effect a financial sanction on Kaspersky.
“Any decision we take on Kaspersky has to be fully informed of the consequences, aware of all the risks and have a clear pathway to a more secure system. It would also need to be supported by advice from the relevant national agencies.”
‘Take a stand’
Germany’s cyber security agency on Tuesday warned that the anti-virus software developed by Moscow-based Kaspersky Lab could pose a risk.
The BSI agency said that the Russia-based cyber-security company could be coerced by Russian government agents to hack IT systems abroad or agents could clandestinely use its technology to launch cyberattacks without its knowledge.
Kaspersky said in a statement yesterday that it was a privately-managed company with no ties to the Russian government. It also added that the warning by BSI was politically motivated.
But Councillor Rodney Berman said: “The council should take action immediately given this warning that continued use of the Kaspersky Anti-virus software could pose a risk.
“And not withstanding any threat to security, I believe we should also not be continuing to provide business to a Russian-owned company in the light of widespread sanctions against Russia.
“The actions of Putin’s Russian state against Ukraine are nothing short of abhorrent. Cardiff Council should play its part in taking a stand.”
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Use typewriters, like the German Gov. did after the USA spying scandal?
Jesus there are plenty of anti-virus softwares out there as good as if not better than Kaspersky.
Hell even the standard microsoft security is pretty damn good now.
I’m also still not convinced that 80% of all viruses are actually created by the antivirus software companies to keep themselves in business.
….”viruses are actually created by the antivirus software companies to keep themselves in business.” And Microsoft is probably one of the biggest “culprits” although the malware is generated from arm’s length associates. Just how these big globalists think they are entitled to behave.
What are your sources for this? It sounds a bit Qanony!
What Cardiff Council seem to be saying is that, to change anti-virus software, they need an orderly transition to an alternative. As they have already paid up front, there’s no loss of income to any Russia-based or Russian-named organisation.
The council are taking a sensible approach. Just dumping their current protection without preparation is dangerous.
Payment aside, how safe is the data from Russian bad actors? I know nothing about Kaspersky beyond the performance of their product. But even if they are clean and ethical, if they are still Russia based, is there a chance the FSB could simply march in and do what they wanted?
What on earth possessed them to buy Russian security Software? Whose idea was that.
What are they saying about they cannot run without it or words to that affect. Are they so stupid as not to see how this looks. A Welsh Govt running A Russian Security system.Is there nothing this Country cannot do for itself. Time to be Self Sufficient in all areas. This must be the Stupidist and most dangerous of all. Hands up which one of you Not so bright Sparks Did it?