In a resolute move to safeguard privacy and security, Canada has declared a ban on the use of apps from Tencent and Kaspersky on government mobile devices, citing an "unacceptable level of risk." Cybersecurity experts and decision-makers, take note.
Canada, a nation committed to fortifying its digital defenses, has taken a decisive step to bolster cybersecurity. On Monday, the Canadian government announced a ban on the use of applications from two tech giants, Tencent and Kaspersky, on government-issued mobile devices. The reason behind this move is the perceived "unacceptable level of risk to privacy and security."
The official statement from the Canadian government emphasized its unwavering dedication to securing government information and networks. It stated, "We regularly monitor potential threats and take immediate action to address risks."
As part of this endeavor, Tencent's WeChat, a versatile Chinese instant messaging, social media, and mobile payment application with over 1 billion monthly active users, and Kaspersky's suite of applications, have been promptly removed from government mobile devices as of October 30, 2023. Users of these devices will also be blocked from downloading these apps in the future.
Anita Anand, President of the Treasury Board, highlighted the government's risk-based approach to cybersecurity. She explained, "We are taking a risk-based approach to cyber security by removing access to these applications on government mobile devices," underscoring the considerable access these apps have to device contents.
Kaspersky, a prominent Russian cybersecurity vendor, expressed its dissatisfaction with the ban, suggesting it may have political motivations. Kaspersky believes the actions are "highly unsupported" and reflect the current geopolitical climate rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of its products and services.
This development follows Canada's previous ban on TikTok, owned by ByteDance, from government devices in February 2023, citing similar concerns about privacy and security. Additionally, in March 2022, the U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) placed Kaspersky on the "Covered List" of companies that pose an "unacceptable risk to the national security" of the United States.
Cybersecurity experts and decision-makers must stay attuned to these decisions, as they reflect the growing emphasis on digital security at a national level.
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