July 16, 2024 at 06:30AM
Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky is shutting down its US operations after the Commerce Department’s ban on selling its software in the country. The decision, effective July 20, 2024, is due to the company deeming US business opportunities no longer viable. It is laying off less than 50 US employees and offering free products to exiting customers for six months.
Key takeaways from the meeting notes regarding Kaspersky’s decision to shut down operations in the United States are as follows:
1. Kaspersky has decided to gradually wind down its US operations starting on July 20, 2024, following the Commerce Department’s announcement of the company no longer being allowed to sell its software in the country.
2. The decision was made due to the impact of US legal requirements, rendering business opportunities in the country no longer viable.
3. This move involves the laying off of a small number of employees in the United States, impacting less than 50 people.
4. Kaspersky has been informing its US customers through its website about its exit from the United States and offering a selection of its security products for free for a period of six months.
5. Customers have been given until September 29 to migrate to other companies’ products, after which Kaspersky’s network will stop operating, and software updates will no longer be provided.
6. Despite the ban on its cybersecurity software products and services, Kaspersky is still allowed to provide products and services related to threat intelligence, training, and consulting in the US.
7. The decision to exit the United States comes after facing mounting pressure from the US and European governments over concerns about potential control and influence by the Russian government, and after Russia’s war against Ukraine had a significant impact on its reputation in the West.
8. Kaspersky has been operating in the United States for nearly two decades and had provided its products and services to government agencies. However, the company has faced challenges and bans from government agencies due to concerns about the risk of spying and influence by the Russian government.
These key takeaways provide a comprehensive understanding of the situation and Kaspersky’s decision to shut down its operations in the United States.