Photo by Kaspersky Withdraws from US Market amid Security Concerns
Russian antivirus giant Kaspersky Labs has announced its decision to cease operations in the US, citing the Biden administration’s ban on the sale and distribution of its software as the reason. The move comes after Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed concerns over Moscow’s influence on the company, deeming it a significant risk to US infrastructure and services.
Kaspersky, which has been operating in the US for over two decades, has denied the allegations, stating that it has made the “sad and difficult decision” to leave as business opportunities in the country are no longer viable. The company’s US website has already stopped selling its antivirus and cybersecurity tools, with a message reading “purchase is unavailable for US customers.”
Kaspersky’s withdrawal from the US market marks a significant shift in the cybersecurity landscape.
The ban, which was announced last month, prohibits the sale and distribution of Kaspersky products in the US, citing Russia’s “capacity and… intent to collect and weaponize the personal information of Americans.”
The ruling is a result of broad powers created by the Trump administration to ban or restrict transactions between US firms and technology companies from “foreign adversary” nations like Russia and China. Kaspersky had initially said it would pursue “all legally available options” to fight the ban, but has now decided to abandon its US operations.
Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo cited concerns over Moscow’s influence on Kaspersky as the reason for the ban.
The Moscow-headquartered multinational company has offices in 31 countries around the world, servicing more than 400 million users and 270,000 corporate clients in over 200 countries. Despite its global presence, Kaspersky’s withdrawal from the US market marks a significant blow to its business.
Kaspersky’s withdrawal raises concerns about the cybersecurity landscape and the role of foreign companies in the US market.
