Russia-based cyber security solutions provider Kaspersky Labs announced that it will gradually wind down its U.S. operations starting from July 20.
This decision comes nearly a month after the Joe Biden administration unveiled plans to prohibit the sale of the Russian anti-virus software maker’s products in the country.
Kaspersky offers antivirus and internet security protection software designed for homes, small, medium and enterprise business. Some of the Kaspersky’s competitors in the Anti-Virus category are OneLogin, Sophos, and Symantec Norton.
Eugene Kaspersky is the CEO of Kaspersky Labs. It does not reveal the business and revenue impact due to the exit from the US. Kaspersky website says it has 34 offices in more than 30 countries. Kaspersky has more than 4,000 specialists in the cyber security business. Kaspersky has 400 million individual users and 220,000 corporate clients.
In an immediate move, Kaspersky has already halted the sale of its products on its U.S. website, with a notice stating, “purchase unavailable for U.S. customers.” The company also plans to eliminate all U.S.-based positions.
This development follows an announcement by U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in June, where she cited security risks due to Russia’s influence over Kaspersky, leading to a forthcoming ban on the sale of the company’s anti-virus software in the U.S. The restrictions, which will prevent software updates, resales, and licensing, will take effect on September 29.
The U.S. government imposed sanctions on Kaspersky’s senior leadership in June, targeting the chief business development officer, chief operating officer, legal officer, and corporate communications chief, all citing cybersecurity risks, Reuters news report said.
New business dealings for Kaspersky in the U.S. have been prohibited since June 20, marking the start of the 30-day countdown to the enforcement of the new restrictions.
Baburajan Kizhakedath
