Kaspersky shuts down US operations after government ban

A Kaspersky This Tuesday (16.July.2024) announced the closure of its operations in the US. The result was confirmed by the website TechCrunchThe move came after the North American government banned the sale and update of an antivirus made by a Russian cybersecurity company.

Initially, Kaspersky planned to challenge the ban, saying it does not participate in activities that threaten US national security, but decided to end it. “gradually” Its operations in the country July 20. He said business “This is no longer possible.”

In June, ban declared The United States Department of Commerce noted security and privacy risks associated with the company’s location in Russia. Secretary Gina Raimondo expressed concern about the possibility of the Kremlin exploiting companies like Kaspersky. “Malignant Intentions” Against the Americans.

With the ban in place, the Russian company’s products cannot be purchased on its US website.

Understand the constraint

Its sale was blocked by the ban Software To North American consumers, directly and through dealers in the United States September 29. Additionally, the company is unable to send security updates Software or protection for US customers.

The US Treasury Department also took action against senior Kaspersky executives, although CEO Eugene Kaspersky was not sanctioned. This is intended to prevent North American customers from transacting with any future entity managed by executives.

historical

This isn’t the first time the US government has taken action against Kaspersky.

In 2017, during the administration of then-President Donald Trump (Rep.), the Software Kaspersky has been banned across the federal government. The move comes after Russian hackers were found to have stolen classified US documents from the computer of an intelligence officer who used the tool.

The nature of antivirus products, which often have broad access to the devices they are installed on, is a cause for concern for the US government.

With more than 25 years of experience in the cyber security industry, Kaspersky has more than 400 million customers in more than 200 countries and territories, including Brazil.