Kaspersky will close its operations in the US and lay off staff
The Russian antivirus company leaves the US market after the US Department of Commerce banned the sale of its products.
Russian antivirus company Kaspersky has confirmed that it will close its division in the United States following the decision to ban the sale of its products starting July 20, just a few days away.
Kaspersky confirmed the news of its impending closure in the United States with the Zero Day website, saying it will “gradually close” its business in the country.
“The company carefully reviewed and evaluated the impact of US legal requirements and made this sad and difficult decision as business opportunities in the country are no longer viable,” the company said in a statement to Zero Day.
According to Kaspersky, the closure “affects less than 50 employees in the United States.” According to workers who have contacted Zero Day, they will receive severance packages, but the nature of those packages is unknown.
The US Department of Commerce announced a ban on sales and support of all Kaspersky antivirus products on June 21, citing concerns about possible Russian interference.
“The Biden-Harris administration is committed to a whole-of-government approach to protect our national security and out-innovate our adversaries,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement at the time.
“Russia has demonstrated time and time again that it has the ability and intent to exploit Russian companies, such as Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive US information, and we will continue to use all tools at our disposal to safeguard security.” nation of the United States and the American people. . Today’s action, our first use of the Department of Commerce’s ICTS authorities, demonstrates the Department of Commerce’s role in supporting our national defense and shows our adversaries that we will not hesitate to act when… their technology poses a risk to the United States and its citizens.”
The Office of Information and Communications Technology and Services, or OICTS, is integrated into the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security and is responsible for evaluating whether or not communications or information technologies “pose an undue or unacceptable risk.” for national security.”
US organizations that use Kaspersky products and services have until September 29 to find alternatives.
