Kaspersky to close US operations after Commerce Dept. bans software
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Cybersecurity Firm Kaspersky to Cease U.S. Operations Amid Government Ban
Cybersecurity giant Kaspersky has announced plans to shut down all of its operations in the United States, a decision that follows a recent ban by the U.S. Commerce Department. The Moscow-based company will begin winding down its American activities on July 20, eliminating U.S.-based positions, though it has not specified the number of job cuts.
“Kaspersky has been operating in the U.S. for close to 20 years, contributing to the nation’s strategic cybersecurity goals by safeguarding organizations and individuals in the country from ever-evolving cyberthreats,” the company stated. The firm's decision comes in response to the U.S. legal environment, which Kaspersky concluded has rendered future business prospects nonviable.
Last month, the U.S. Commerce Department prohibited the sale of Kaspersky software, citing national security concerns linked to the company's Russian origins. The department argued that Kaspersky's adherence to Russian laws could facilitate access to sensitive data of American citizens, potentially allowing Russian government actors to exploit this information.
Kaspersky has strongly disputed the notion that its software poses a security risk. In a statement on June 21, the company emphasized that it cannot intentionally collect sensitive data on U.S. citizens and that its Russian operations have access only to aggregate, non-specific data. Kaspersky accused the U.S. government of basing its decision on geopolitical tensions and hypothetical scenarios rather than concrete evidence of risk, suggesting the move would benefit cybercriminals and reduce consumer choice.
Despite Kaspersky’s counterarguments, the Commerce Department maintained that its investigation supported the ban's implementation. The decision notably impacts Kaspersky, whose antivirus products are among the most widely used globally, and whose research division is well-regarded for uncovering sophisticated hacking operations.
In its announcement, Kaspersky asserted the resilience of its business and reaffirmed its ongoing commitment to protecting customers from cyber threats worldwide. The company stressed that its priority remains unchanged even as it exits the U.S. market.
