Kaspersky to shut down US operations, lay off employees after US government ban

The U.S. Commerce Department banned Kaspersky’s antivirus sales to U.S. consumers over national security concerns tied to Russian influence, prompting Kaspersky to wind down U.S. operations starting July 20, lay off fewer than 50 staff, and cease software/security updates for U.S. customers after September 29; several executives were also sanctioned by the U.S. Treasury. The report notes prior federal restrictions from 2017, reseller impacts, and Kaspersky’s initial plan to challenge the ban.