Kaspersky Labs, a well-known Russian anti-virus software company, plans to wind down its US operations starting 20 July, following a series of restrictive measures imposed by the Biden administration. The decision comes in the wake of heightened security concerns over Russia’s alleged influence on Kaspersky’s cybersecurity practices.
The company’s departure from the US market will involve eliminating all US-based positions and Kaspersky has already halted the sale of its products to American consumers on its website. This move follows US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo’s recent declaration to prohibit the sale of Kaspersky’s anti-virus software in the country.
In addition to the sales ban, the US government imposed sanctions in June on Kaspersky’s senior leadership, targeting key figures such as the chief business development officer, chief operating officer, legal officer and corporate communications chief.
The restrictions on Kaspersky’s inbound sales, which will prevent downloads of software updates, resales and licensing of the product, are set to take effect on 29 September. New US business activities for Kaspersky will be blocked starting 20 July, exactly 30 days after the initial announcement of the restrictions.
