Right-click on the Kaspersky icon in the taskbar and select Exit.

Here is how to uninstall Kaspersky applications if you have them on your Windows-based computer: In light of the real possibility of cyber warfare, it is always better to err on the side of caution. Italy’s Computer Security Incident Response Team (CSIRT) joined the call for “an analysis of the risk deriving from the IT security solutions” developed in Russia. While BSI’s warning could be seen as overreacting, they are not the only ones. Kaspersky’s antivirus products are used by millions of people globally and could, in theory, result in one of the most significant cyberattacks in history.

Your data could fall into the wrong hands as a result of a cyberattack.

While the BSI points out that consumers may be the least at risk of a cyberattack, you could be the victim of collateral damage if Kaspersky itself becomes a victim of a cyber operation. President Trump signed legislation in 2017 that banned government departments from using Kaspersky products. The software isn’t currently banned in Germany, but former U.S. Hundreds of businesses refuse to continue operations. As sanctions mount on the country, various individuals close to Putin have had their global assets frozen. In a blog post, the BSI outlines the dangers of using a company based in Moscow. The German agency says the Russian government could use Kaspersky’s IT infrastructure “as a tool for attacks against its customers.” Although Kaspersky operates under a holding company in the U.K., Germany’s Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) has warned against using any Kaspersky products.

Kaspersky ties to russian government