Kaspersky closes US ops over national security ban

TLDR:

Key Points:

• Kaspersky Lab is closing down its operations in the United States after being banned from selling new products due to national security concerns.
• The ban comes after the US Department of Commerce prohibited Kaspersky Lab from providing antivirus software and cybersecurity products in the US.

In response to the ban, Kaspersky Lab will begin shutting down its US operations on July 20, affecting less than 50 employees. The company denied any ties to the Russian government and stated that the decision was based on geopolitical concerns rather than verified risks. Kaspersky has faced scrutiny from Western security agencies for the past seven years, leading to previous bans on its products in US federal networks and warnings from UK government agencies. The closure of its US operations comes amidst ongoing tensions between Russia and Western countries.

Overall, this article highlights the impact of national security concerns on international businesses and the challenges faced by companies operating in the cybersecurity sector.