US Treasury Department Imposes Sanctions on Kaspersky Lab Leaders
The United States has imposed sanctions on 12 top leaders of the Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab. This move comes a day after the US banned the sale of Kaspersky’s antivirus software due to national security concerns.
The sanctions target key members of Kaspersky Lab’s senior leadership, including the chief operating officer, while the chief executive and the company itself have been spared, according to the Treasury Department.
US Treasury under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence Brian Nelson emphasized the importance of protecting the cyber domain and citizens against cyber threats. He stated, “The United States will take action where necessary to hold accountable those who would seek to facilitate or enable these activities.”
US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller highlighted concerns that Kaspersky Lab could be under the influence of the Russian government, posing a risk to US national security and the safety of US individuals.
The Commerce Department had previously announced a ban on Kaspersky Lab’s antivirus products in the US, citing national security risks due to the Russian government’s cyber capabilities and potential influence over the company’s operations.
In response to the sanctions, Kaspersky Lab stated that it will explore all legal options to maintain its current operations and relationships, denying any activities that threaten US national security.
