Australia: Department of Home Affairs issued a directive banning Kaspersky software on government devices

On 21 February 2025, the Department of Home Affairs issued a Directive banning the use of Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services on Australian Government systems and devices, citing an “unacceptable security risk” related to foreign interference, espionage, and sabotage. The Protective Security Policy Framework (PSPF) Direction 002-2025 mandates all non-corporate Commonwealth entities to identify and remove existing Kaspersky software by 1 April 2025, prevent future installations, and report compliance to the Commonwealth Security Policy Branch. The Directive applies to all Kaspersky information security products, with exemptions permitted only for national security and regulatory functions under strict conditions. The Directive aligns Australia with other Five Eyes nations, including Canada, the United Kingdom, and the United States, which have also imposed restrictions on Kaspersky software.