The directive from Australia’s Department of Home Affairs prohibits the use of Kaspersky products on devices owned by the federal government. Kaspersky, a Russian cybersecurity company, falls under this ban.
In a February 17, 2025, directive within the Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF), Home Affairs Secretary Stephanie Foster stated, “After evaluating threat and risk analysis, I have concluded that the utilization of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and online services by Australian Government entities presents an unacceptable security hazard to Australian Government networks and data, due to risks of foreign meddling, espionage, and sabotage.”
She further mentioned, “I have also contemplated the critical necessity for a clear policy statement to vital infrastructure and other Australian government bodies concerning the unacceptable security jeopardy linked with the utilization of Kaspersky Lab’s products and online services.”
PSPF Directive 002-2025 instructs Australian Government entities not to deploy Kaspersky Lab products and online services on government apparatus and systems, and if detected, to eliminate all current instances.
Previous year, the US Government proscribed the vending of Kaspersky software. In Canada and the United Kingdom, Kaspersky’s operations have also been restricted within those territories.
By April 1, 2025, Australian Government entities are mandated to eliminate all Kaspersky products and services from their devices.
Foster stated that exceptions could be granted for valid business rationales, limited only to national security and regulatory functions; nonetheless, the user must ensure the application of suitable mitigations.
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