Kaspersky, a leading global cybersecurity firm, has confirmed its decision to cease operations in the United States. This move comes as a response to heightened geopolitical tensions and an increasingly challenging regulatory environment that has impacted on the company’s ability to conduct business effectively within the country.
“Starting from July 20, 2024, Kaspersky will gradually wind down its US operations and eliminate US-based positions,” the firm said in a statement. “The company has carefully examined and evaluated the impact of the US legal requirements and made this sad and difficult decision as business opportunities in the country are no longer viable,”
Earlier, Commerce Department Secretary Gina Raimondo announced that the Biden administration was taking the unprecedented step of banning US companies and citizens from using software made by a major Russian cybersecurity firm due to national security concerns, along with a new prohibition on its sale.
Kaspersky has refuted the allegations, stating it does not engage in activities that could threaten U.S. national security and that the decision was made based on the “present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns,” rather than a comprehensive evaluation of its products and services.
Kaspersky Lab, headquartered in Moscow, is globally renowned for its antivirus and cybersecurity solutions. However, it has faced persistent allegations of having ties to the Russian government, a claim the company has consistently denied. Despite these denials, the U.S. administration has maintained a cautious stance, citing potential risks to national security.
The US website has ceased sales of its antivirus and cybersecurity tools, displaying a message stating “purchase unavailable for US customers.”
Banning Kaspersky products or services is part of the ICTS Program, which safeguards Americans’ sensitive data from foreign threats such as Russia, China, North Korea, and others.
Kaspersky Lab has responded to the ban with strong objections, reiterating its stance that it is a private company with no ties to any government. “We are deeply disappointed by the U.S. government’s decision, which we believe is based on unfounded allegations and political motives,” the company stated. “We remain committed to providing the highest level of Cybersecurity to our customers worldwide.”
Kaspersky, the statement added, had been operating in the US for almost 20 years “contributing to the nation’s strategic cybersecurity goals by safeguarding organizations and individuals in the country from ever evolving cyberthreats.”
Commerce officials say that Individuals and businesses who want to continue using existing Kaspersky products will not be penalized but note that their network systems will then be at risk.
“Being a global cybersecurity vendor,” Kaspersky said “It will continue investing in strategic markets and remain committed to serving its customers and partners and ensuring their protection.”
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