Oooh! Are you using Kaspersky Labs Anti-Virus?

[#1]

I’ve just read this on the BBC site and when you think about it it’s a really smart way to do things. If your intent is to snoop then what has more user trust than an Anti-Virus App!

[#2]

When I was working for an international bank, I had to visit one of our Russian offices regularly. Next door to that branch was a large Russian mansion with high walls around. It used have dark windowed SUV's, Porsche and Ferrari's visiting with visibly armed guards. Allegedly it was a Russian Mafia place.  A little further down the street were the Kaspersky offices. 

I imply nothing, but it does illustrate the local Russian colour in that business district.

[#3]

If it really is more than just an AV product, then you wouldn’t question it phoning home as it might me looking for updates, but equally it could be sending all of your information, browsing, shopping and banking history to HQ.

As a malicious product it could easily be instructed to take part in DDoS and other forms of attack all done my remote control and with the installer’s (user’s) consent.

[#4]

For me, and I guess the majority of British computer users, the snooper to worry about would be the British government.

Russia just doesn't come into it.

[#5]

So a US Government Employee took home classified software and loaded it on his home computer and Kaspersky Internet Security found a nasty

This is from KIS on my computer

So you can see why it picked it up and that I have it disabled

[#6]

I`ve never used Kaspersky..... for some undefined reason..... but have used AVG ( which I think, is also a Russian Anti Virus ? ? ? )

So... all you AV experts,..... which - non-russian based/backed Anti Virus should we be using, to keep away from the Russian snoops.... ? ? ? ? ? ? ? ?

[#7]

You may well be right there @billnotben as regards the Russian's level of interest in the average UK citizen. But not everyone is an average citizen, and some are more ‘interesting’ than others. A lot of people in the UK work for the Government in some form be it Police, NHS, TAX, Local etc.

Even then, if they weren’t interested in your data it doesn’t mean that your PC can’t be used for ‘other’ purposes.

If you give some thought to what is said @Oldjim KIS found a ‘nasty’ from a competitor!

[#8]

That's easy @shutter, Wetware Common Sense v1.0.1.

[#9]

@Anonymous please provide a download link...

[#10]

Ah! This needs to be compiled from source @shutter, but you could always try this:

file:///cerebrum/common-sense-.v1.0.1.exe

Just in case there's a pre-built binary but this link may not work for anyone.

[#11]

OK.... thank.... will see how it goes....

[#12]

I don't see the need for any other AV except Windows defender , and common sence
I have never had any nasties on either of my PC,s

[#13]

The safest bet might be to use no anti virus or fire wall in the first place.

Been on the internet for years, never had a problem...

But......

I am using Linux....perhaps that explains it.

[#14]

https://www.linux.com/learn/myth-busting-linux-immune-viruses

[#15]

Comrade vostopski "Comrade Poborski, we are looking to infiltrate the western cyber systems. Which method do you recommend."

Comrade Poborski "I would recommend using Kaspersky Labs products as they are just down the road and I have contacts"

Comrade vostopski "No,no Comrade, they are too obvious. We must enlist the assistance of a western software producer. I will bring up the subject with President Trump the next time he calls. Maybe he will have some suggestions".