Australia: Directive banning Kaspersky software on government devices comes into effect

By 1 April 2025, all Kaspersky Lab, Inc. products and web services must be removed from Australian Government systems and devices, in line with a Directive issued by the Department of Home Affairs. The Directive cited 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, 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.