The U.S. Commerce Department Bans Kaspersky Lab Inc. from Selling Software in the U.S.
The U.S. Commerce Department has made a significant announcement today, stating that Kaspersky Lab Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of Russian antivirus software maker Kaspersky, along with its subsidiaries and parent companies, are banned from selling their software in the U.S.
The ban, set to take effect on July 20, also prohibits the company from providing new security updates to existing customers starting September 29.
The reason behind this decision is rooted in national security concerns. The Commerce Department’s Bureau of Industry and Security conducted a thorough investigation and concluded that Kaspersky’s operations in the U.S. pose a national security risk due to the Russian government’s cyber capabilities and potential influence over the company.
The Department is urging individuals and businesses using Kaspersky software to transition to alternative vendors to minimize exposure to cybersecurity risks. While there are no legal penalties for continuing to use Kaspersky products, users must be aware of the associated risks.
Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo emphasized the importance of safeguarding U.S. national security and protecting American citizens from potential threats posed by foreign entities.
Efforts to restrict Kaspersky’s activities in the U.S. have been ongoing since 2017, with previous bans on government agency use of the company’s software. The latest ban in 2024 comes amidst escalating geopolitical tensions, particularly Russia’s actions in Ukraine.
In response to the ban, a spokesperson for Kaspersky expressed disappointment, stating that the decision was influenced by geopolitical factors rather than an evaluation of the company’s products and services. Kaspersky intends to explore all available legal options to maintain its operations.
