US Sanctions Kaspersky Lab Executives Over Ties to Russia
US sanctions Kaspersky Lab executives and board members because of their ties to Russia, making it harder for them to start businesses in the US. The Biden administration announced sanctions against 12 top officials from Kaspersky Lab, a well-known cybersecurity company based in Russia. This decision was announced shortly after the Commerce Department banned Kaspersky’s antivirus software sales in the US due to national security concerns.
“Today’s action against the leadership of Kaspersky Lab underscores our commitment to ensure the integrity of our cyber domain and to protect our citizens against malicious cyber threats,” said Brian E. Nelson, Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. The sanctions aim to reduce these individuals' ability to operate businesses in the US. Notably, CEO and founder Eugene Kaspersky is not on the list, and neither is the company itself.
Kaspersky Cannot Conduct New Business in the US
The Commerce Department has banned Kaspersky from starting new business in the US. Moreover, the ban prohibits existing customers from downloading updates for their antivirus software. Those using Kaspersky’s software have until September 29th to find other options. The Commerce Department has advised users to “expeditiously transition to new vendors to limit exposure of personal or other sensitive data to malign actors due to a potential lack of cybersecurity coverage.”
List of Sanctioned Individuals
The sanctions target board members of Kaspersky Lab and Kaspersky Group. Additionally, the Commerce Department placed Kaspersky’s operations in the US, Russia, and the UK on its Entity List due to their alleged cooperation with Russian military and intelligence, supporting the Russian government’s cyber objectives.
Historical Context: Previous Concerns about Kaspersky
Back in 2017, there were reports that Russia stole classified information from a government contractor’s personal computer, which had Kaspersky’s antivirus software installed. The contractor was working with the National Security Agency (NSA) and had improperly stored files on his personal laptop. Kaspersky denied any knowledge of or involvement in the incident. Later the same year, the Department of Homeland Security banned all federal agencies from using Kaspersky products on government servers.
Key Takeaways
- 12 executives and senior leaders of Kaspersky Lab sanctioned by the US.
- Sales and updates of Kaspersky’s antivirus software banned in the US.
- Kaspersky's operations in the US, Russia, and the UK added to the Commerce Department’s Entity List.
- Existing users of Kaspersky software must find alternatives by September 29th.
These actions highlight the US government’s efforts to secure its cyber domain and protect citizens from potential cyber threats linked to foreign entities.
