Kaspersky has decided to shut down its business operations in the United States due to increasing regulatory and security concerns from the U.S. government. This move comes as the U.S. has classified Kaspersky products as potential security risks, citing fears that the software could be used for espionage by the Russian government. The Biden administration’s recent decision to ban Kaspersky sales in the U.S. was influenced by consultations with key foreign allies, many of whom have also taken similar actions against the company.

The decision to ban Kaspersky is part of broader measures to protect U.S. infrastructure and national security, reflecting longstanding concerns about the company’s potential ties to Russian intelligence.

“Today, the Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) announced a Final Determination prohibiting Kaspersky Lab, Inc., the U.S. subsidiary of a Russia-based anti-virus software and cybersecurity company, from directly or indirectly providing anti-virus software and cybersecurity products or services in the United States or to U.S. persons,” reads a new from the US BIS agency.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to a whole-of-government approach to protect our national security and out-innovate our adversaries,” said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo.

“Russia has shown time and again they have the capability and intent to exploit Russian companies, like Kaspersky Lab, to collect and weaponize sensitive U.S. information, and we will continue to use every tool at our disposal to safeguard U.S. national security and the American people. “

While Kaspersky has denied any ties to the Russian government, the US government feels that due to the Russian government’s cyber capabilities and ability to influence Kaspersky’s operations, there was no way to mitigate the risk without a total ban on the company’s services in the USA.