In a move aimed at addressing cybersecurity threats, the Biden administration has imposed sanctions on 12 high-ranking executives of the Russian cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab.
This action, announced on Friday, comes a day after the US revealed plans to ban the sale of Kaspersky’s antivirus software.
The sanctions target several senior leaders at Kaspersky, including the Chief Business Development Officer, Chief Operating Officer, Legal Officer, and Head of Corporate Communications, among others.
Brian Nelson, the Under Secretary of the Treasury, stated that the sanctions underscore the US commitment to safeguarding cyberspace and protecting citizens from malicious cyber threats.
A Kaspersky spokesperson described the sanctions as “unjustified and baseless,” asserting that they will not impact the company’s resilience since the sanctions do not target the parent company, its subsidiaries, or its CEO, Eugene Kaspersky.
Kaspersky has denied any ties to any government or connections between the sanctioned executives and Russian military or intelligence authorities.
These measures reflect the Biden administration’s efforts to mitigate the risks of Russian cyberattacks linked to Kaspersky’s software while continuing to pressure Moscow amidst the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
As US sanctions options dwindle, the focus shifts to reducing vulnerabilities in cybersecurity.
This move coincides with an unprecedented ban announced on Thursday, effective September 29, prohibiting the sale, resale, and software updates of Kaspersky products in the US.
The sanctions announced on Friday also prevent US companies and citizens from engaging in financial transactions with the sanctioned executives and freeze any assets they may have in the US.
