Kaspersky shuts down all US operations following ban
Kaspersky is exiting the US market for good
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Following the recent US ban on the sale of all Kaspersky products, the Moscow based cybersecurity andantivirusprovider has announced its US based business will be permanently closed, and workers will be laid off.
Russia’s initial interference and subsequent invasion of Ukraine has damaged an already troubled relationship, and deepened US suspicions around the use of Kaspersky software.
The ban comes into place on July 20 2024, which is when Kaspersky will begin its winding down process (viaZero Day).
Kaspersky to exit US
Back in 2017, Kaspersky faced its first restrictions after the Department of Homeland Security banned Kaspersky software from use in all government departments and agencies, which was then followed up in 2018 with a ban from all US military systems. US officials frequently cite Kaspersky’s Russian roots and worries that the Kremlin could force the company to provide access to Kaspersky operations.
In reaction to the ban, Kaspersky initially said that it would fight the ban in court, however this latest revelation seems to indicate that Kaspersky has accepted its fate. A statement said, “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 has frequently denied that the Russian government holds any sway or influence over the company. Speaking on a phone call to reporters, US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo said, “Given the Russian government’s continued offensive cyber capabilities and capacities to influence Kaspersky’s operations … we have to take the significant measure of a full prohibition if we’re going to protect Americans and their personal data.”
“When Americans have software from companies owned or controlled by countries of concern – such as Russia, such as China – integrated into their systems… those countries can use their authority over those companies to abuse that software to access and potentially exploit sensitive U.S. technology and data,” Raimondo concluded.
Are you a pro? Subscribe to our newsletter
Sign up to the TechRadar Pro newsletter to get all the top news, opinion, features and guidance your business needs to succeed!
Kaspersky confirmed that withdrawing from the US market would affect “less than 50 employees in the U.S.” However, a report by the company last year suggested that the US market comprises “just under 10%” of its total revenue, and that Kaspersky software protects “more than a millionendpoints” in the US.
The Commerce Department has placed Kaspersky on its trade-restrictions list, preventing US companies from doing any further business with the Moscow-based company.
More from TechRadar Pro
Benedict has been writing about security issues for over 7 years, first focusing on geopolitics and international relations while at the University of Buckingham. During this time he studied BA Politics with Journalism, for which he received a second-class honours (upper division), then continuing his studies at a postgraduate level, achieving a distinction in MA Security, Intelligence and Diplomacy. Upon joining TechRadar Pro as a Staff Writer, Benedict transitioned his focus towards cybersecurity, exploring state-sponsored threat actors, malware, social engineering, and national security. Benedict is also an expert on B2B security products, including firewalls, antivirus, endpoint security, and password management.
Samsung plans record-breaking 400-layer NAND chip that could be key to breaking 200TB barrier for ultra large capacity AI hyperscaler SSDs
Adobe’s decision to eliminate perpetual licensing for its Elements software has stirred controversy among consumers
Your next smartwatch could be battery-free – and powered by your skin
