Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab announced it will “gradually wind down” its operations in the United States and dismiss its US-based staff following a ban imposed by the Department of Commerce that prohibits the sale of its products in the country. The firm stated on Monday that the closure of its US operations, set to begin on July 20, marks the end of nearly two decades of business activities in the United States.
Kaspersky Lab explained that after a thorough review of the US legal requirements, it reached the “sad and difficult decision” to shut down its operations, as continuing business in the US is no longer feasible. This decision follows the Commerce Department’s recent ban, which was reported first by independent journalist Kim Zetter, citing national security concerns linked to allegations that the Russian government could potentially exploit Kaspersky’s antivirus software to conduct surveillance on Americans through hacking or data collection. Kaspersky has consistently denied these allegations.
The company boasts a global user base of over 400 million people and 240,000 companies, although the exact number of US customers remains unclear. Previously, US government agencies were already prohibited from using Kaspersky’s software, but the Commerce Department’s recent action to halt all sales of the software in the US is an unprecedented step. These legal measures stem partly from a 2021 executive order by President Joe Biden aimed at protecting Americans’ personal data from “foreign adversaries,” building on a similar order by former President Donald Trump in 2019.
CNN had reported in April that the Commerce Department was preparing to take action against Kaspersky Lab. Established in Moscow in 1997, Kaspersky Lab has risen to prominence as a leading antivirus software provider, competing with American companies like McAfee and Symantec. The firm is renowned for its high-quality research into global cyber threats, including those posed by various governments and cybercriminals.
Despite the US shutdown, Kaspersky Lab stated it will continue to focus on strategic markets, maintaining its commitment to customer service and protection for its clients and partners worldwide.
