Woburn, Massachusetts: Kaspersky Lab has announced the upcoming closure of its US operations next month, a decision precipitated by a recent ban imposed by the US Commerce Department. This development will lead to the displacement of its US-based workforce, marking the conclusion of a protracted conflict between the Russian cybersecurity giant and US authorities.
Once a key supplier for US government agencies and a prominent sponsor of major Washington, D.C. conferences, Kaspersky had previously pledged to contest the Commerce Department’s impending ban on its antivirus software. Effective July 20, the ban prohibits new installations of Kaspersky’s antivirus solutions in the US, with existing customers scheduled to lose access to updates after September 29.
Journalist Kim Zetter reported this week that Kaspersky’s US employees were informed about the impending layoffs. The company stated that it had conducted a comprehensive assessment of US regulatory requirements and determined that continuing operations within the country was no longer tenable. Kaspersky emphasized its nearly two-decade legacy in the US, highlighting its contribution to national cybersecurity efforts by shielding organizations and individuals from digital threats.
Despite shuttering its US office, Kaspersky will maintain its presence outside the United States, retaining operational bases across Europe. This decision arrives amid mounting international scrutiny regarding Kaspersky’s alleged ties to the Russian government. While consistently refuting accusations of involvement in cyber espionage on behalf of Moscow, lingering concerns persist regarding potential data access under Russian legislation.
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The US government initially banned Kaspersky from federal networks in 2017, a decision contested vigorously by the company through legal avenues. The cessation of its US operations underscores the formidable obstacles Kaspersky faces in upholding its position in the American market.
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For US clientele, the closure of Kaspersky’s operations underscores the urgency of securing alternative cybersecurity solutions ahead of the Commerce Department’s stipulated deadlines. This development marks a pivotal turning point in the cybersecurity domain, compelling US businesses and governmental bodies alike to explore alternative security providers to meet their evolving needs.
