Don't use antivirus firms linked to Russia, cyber security chief tells Whitehall

The Kremlin uses cyberspace for 'espionage, disruption and influence', says Ciaran Martin in letter to government departments

Government departments have been warned against using antivirus software made by technology firms with links to Russia amid concerns over national security.

Ciaran Martin, head of the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), said Russia has the intent "to target UK central government and the UK's critical national infrastructure" and there are "obvious risks around foreign ownership" of companies that produce anti-virus (AV) software.