Earlier this summer, the Commerce Department banned the use of Kaspersky software in the United States because of its potential risk to U.S. national security. 

If you're unfamiliar, Kaspersky Lab, Inc. is a large cybersecurity and anti-virus provider for personal and business use. The company is based in Moscow, which--according to the federal government--means it poses an "undue or unacceptable risk to ... the safety and security of U.S. persons."

Kaspersky software is in use in homes and companies across the United States. Their tools include:

• Kaspersky Antivirus
• Kaspersky Internet Security
• Kaspersky Total Security
• Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business
• Kaspersky Security Center
• Kaspersky Security Network
• Kaspersky Small Office Security

It also licenses its anti-virus engine to more than 120 companies for their own cybersecurity software. 

To be sure you and your business stay secure, check with your IT and/or cybersecurity teams to confirm which software they use and ask specifically if it's affected by the Kaspersky ban. If so, engage them in a process to evaluate your needs and replace your protections. If you want an added layer of assurance, engage an outside cybersecurity expert to ensure your systems are and have remained secure during the time you used the Kaspersky software. 

You can always find the latest fraud and cybsercurity alerts at PNFP.com/FraudCenter.