Kaspersky Forced To Shut Down Operations in the US

In the midst of political turmoil currently affecting the world at large, it’s no surprise that the Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab will shut down its U.S. operations and lay off its U.S.-based employees. This decision is being imposed following a ban by the Department of Commerce on the sale of its products in the United States.

“The company has carefully examined and evaluated the impact of the U.S. legal requirements and made this sad and difficult decision as business opportunities in the country are no longer viable.”

Kaspersky Lab via CNN

After almost 20 years of operations in the United States, the company’s shutdown will begin on July 20, marking the end of the long-running company’s computer antivirus history.

The ban, announced last month, stems from national security concerns that the Russian government could use Kaspersky’s software for surveillance or data collection on Americans, which is a claim Kaspersky denies. The ban follows previous restrictions on U.S. government agencies using Kaspersky software, derived from executive orders aimed at protecting Americans’ data from foreign adversaries.

“Russia has shown it has the capacity, and even more than that, the intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans.”

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo via TechCrunch

According to TechCrunch, “Kaspersky will no longer be allowed to sell its software to U.S. consumers directly or through U.S.-based resellers of Kaspersky software, some of whom have criticized the ban for affecting their businesses.” After Sept. 29, Kaspersky will also be barred from providing software or security updates to U.S. customers, leading to diminished protection from the antivirus software.

Kaspersky, founded in Moscow in 1997, plans to continue investing in strategic markets and supporting its global customers. Products can no longer be purchased from their website by United States customers.