The United States announced on Friday the imposition of sanctions on 12 senior executives of the Russian cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab. This move comes a day after the U.S. banned the sale of Kaspersky’s popular antivirus software over national security concerns.
The Treasury Department stated that the sanctions target key figures within the company’s leadership, including the Chief Business Development Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Legal Officer, Corporate Communications Chief, among others. Notably, the sanctions do not extend to the company’s Chief Executive Officer or the firm itself.
“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, U.S. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence. “The United States will take action where necessary to hold accountable those who would seek to facilitate or otherwise enable these activities.”
The U.S. government has expressed ongoing concerns about potential risks posed by Kaspersky’s software, suggesting it could provide a backdoor for Russian intelligence agencies. The ban and subsequent sanctions reflect heightened tensions in the cyber domain between the U.S. and Russia.
Earlier on Friday, the Kremlin criticized the U.S. decision to ban sales of Kaspersky’s software, calling it a typical move by Washington to suppress foreign competition in favor of American products.
Kaspersky Lab, founded in 1997, is one of the world’s leading providers of antivirus and cybersecurity solutions, with a significant global user base. The company has consistently denied allegations of ties with the Russian government, asserting that it operates independently and is committed to combatting cyber threats worldwide.
The sanctions against Kaspersky’s leadership may have broader implications for international businesses and cybersecurity dynamics. Organizations relying on Kaspersky’s products may need to reassess their cybersecurity strategies in light of the U.S. actions.
Analysts suggest that these developments could further strain U.S.-Russia relations and impact global efforts to collaborate on cybersecurity issues.
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U.S. slaps sanctions on leaders of Russian software firm Kaspersky
cgtn.com
