Kaspersky Lab will completely cease operations in the United States and fire all local employees

«Kaspersky Lab will completely curtail its activities in the United States and eliminate existing jobs in the country – the reason for this was the ban imposed by the presidential administration on the sale and use of the developer’s products in the United States. This was reported by The Register with reference to a company representative.

The procedure for closing the American representative office of Kaspersky Lab will begin at the end of this week – the measure will affect less than 50 of the company’s employees in the United States. “Starting July 20, Kaspersky Lab will gradually wind down its operations in the United States and eliminate related positions. The decision and procedure will follow the final determination of the US Department of Commerce prohibiting the sale and distribution of Kaspersky Lab products in the country,” the company said.

In June, the head of the Ministry of Commerce, Gina Raimondo, announced the actual ban on the activities of a security software developer in the country. She also stated that for reasons of national security, the company would not be able to sell its products in the United States from July 20, and from September 29, it would lose the ability to provide customers in the country will update their software, rendering it largely useless.

The next day, the US Department of the Treasury imposed personal sanctions against the company’s management, with the exception of its founder and head, Evgeniy Kaspersky. Kaspersky Lab itself stated that the sanctions were imposed due to “the current geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns,” and these measures are not related to the actual quality of the products. The company rejected suggestions that its products pose a threat to US national security – in Washington, however, they insist that Kaspersky Lab software can be used to hack American systems.

«The Company has carefully studied and assessed the impact of US legal requirements and has made this sad and difficult decision as there are no opportunities to continue doing business in the country. Kaspersky Lab’s business remains resilient, and the priority remains the same – to protect our customers in any country from cyber threats. As a global provider of cybersecurity solutions, the company will continue to invest in strategic markets and remain committed to serving and protecting its customers and partners,” Kaspersky Lab said.