Kaspersky Labs, the Russian anti-virus software maker, announced Monday that it will be winding down its US operations starting July 20. The decision comes nearly a month after the Biden administration's plans to prohibit the sale of Kaspersky products in the United States over claimed security concerns.

Effective immediately, Kaspersky has stopped selling its products to US consumers. Currently, when a US-based buyer accesses its website, it flashes the notice, indicating that the "purchase unavailable for US customers." Additionally, all US-based positions are set to be axed as part of the phasing-out process.

Last month, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced her intentions to ban sales of Kaspersky antivirus software in the United States, citing security risks due to Russian influence over the cybersecurity company. The US government did more than slap the cybersecurity company with these concerns in its senior leadership by placing sanctions on the chief business development officer, chief operating officer, legal officer, and corporate communications chief at Kaspersky.

The news of the company's plan to leave the US was first reported by CNN.

This new sanction blocks downloads of the software updates, sale of licences, and resales of Kaspersky products to any customer based in the US with effect from September 29.&nbsp;

New U.S. business for Kaspersky are to be barred 30 days after the restrictions were first announced on June 20.

In essence, Kaspersky Labs is going to stop its operations in the United States because of the heightened security measures by the US government. The restriction reflects lingering concerns about the risks associated with cyber security with the company, hence a significant change in the products for digital security available within the United States.

Kaspersky Labs, the Russian anti-virus software maker, announced Monday that it will be winding down its US operations starting July 20. The decision comes nearly a month after the Biden administration's plans to prohibit the sale of Kaspersky products in the United States over claimed security concerns.

Kaspersky Labs, the Russian anti-virus software maker, announced Monday that it will be winding down its US operations starting July 20. The decision comes nearly a month after the Biden administration's plans to prohibit the sale of Kaspersky products in the United States over claimed security concerns. Effective immediately, Kaspersky has stopped selling its products to US consumers. Currently, when a US-based buyer accesses its website, it flashes the notice, indicating that the "purchase unavailable for US customers." Additionally, all US-based positions are set to be axed as part of the phasing-out process. Last month, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo announced her intentions to ban sales of Kaspersky antivirus software in the United States, citing security risks due to Russian influence over the cybersecurity company. The US government did more than slap the cybersecurity company with these concerns in its senior leadership by placing sanctions on the chief business development officer, chief operating officer, legal officer, and corporate communications chief at Kaspersky. The news of the company's plan to leave the US was first reported by CNN. This new sanction blocks downloads of the software updates, sale of licences, and resales of Kaspersky products to any customer based in the US with effect from September 29. New U.S. business for Kaspersky are to be barred 30 days after the restrictions were first announced on June 20. In essence, Kaspersky Labs is going to stop its operations in the United States because of the heightened security measures by the US government. The restriction reflects lingering concerns about the risks associated with cyber security with the company, hence a significant change in the products for digital security available within the United States.

Kaspersky's US Exit: cybersecurity concerns amid geopolitical tensions

The Joe Biden administration in the United States (US) on Thursday (June 20) announced plans to bar the sale of antivirus software made by Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the country due to the company's alleged links to the Kremlin.

The Joe Biden administration in the United States (US) on Thursday (June 20) announced plans to bar the sale of antivirus software made by Russia's Kaspersky Lab in the country due to the company's alleged links to the Kremlin. Addressing a press conference, US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said that Russia showed it had the capacity and intent to exploit Russian companies like Kaspersky to collect and weaponise the personal information of Americans. "...and that is why we are compelled to take the action that we are taking today," Commerce Secretary Raimondo added. Also read | Canada bans WeChat, Kaspersky on govt devices due to security risks Citing a source, a report by the news agency Reuters early Friday said that Kaspersky's antivirus software's privileged access to a computer's systems could allow it to steal sensitive information from American computers or install malware and withhold critical updates, enhancing the threat. The new restrictions Raimondo told reporters that the new restrictions (on inbound sales) would be coupled with another move to add three units of the company to a trade restriction list. The restrictions, which would also bar downloads of software updates, resales, and licensing of the product will be imposed from September 29. New US business for Kaspersky would be blocked 30 days after the restrictions are announced. Sales of white-labelled products — that integrate Kaspersky into software sold under a different brand name — will also be barred, the aforementioned source told Reuters. The Commerce Department would notify companies before taking enforcement action against them, the source added. 'Our activities don't threaten US nat'l security' Speaking to Reuters, Kaspersky said it believed that Washington's decision was based on "the present geopolitical climate and theoretical concerns, rather than on a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky's products and services." Kaspersky added that its activities did not threaten American national security and that it would pursue legal options to preserve its operations. Also watch | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv says US, allies delaying pilot training × Kaspersky's Russian business is already subject to sweeping US export restrictions over Moscow's war in Ukraine. But now, its UK-based unit will be effectively barred from receiving goods from American suppliers. The company has long been in regulators' crosshairs. In 2017, the Trump administration banned its flagship antivirus product from federal networks, alleging ties to Russian intelligence and noting Russian law lets intelligence agencies compel assistance from Kaspersky and intercept communications using Russian networks. During that year, media reports alleged Kaspersky Lab was involved in taking hacking tools from a National Security Agency employee that ended up in the hands of the Russian government. The company said it had stumbled upon the code but said no third parties saw it. (With inputs from agencies)

US bans sale of Kaspersky software due to alleged Kremlin links

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday added Russia's AO&nbsp;Kaspersky&nbsp;Lab,&nbsp;China&nbsp;Telecom&nbsp;(Americas) Corp and&nbsp;China&nbsp;Mobile International&nbsp;USA to its&nbsp;list&nbsp;of communications equipment and service providers deemed&nbsp;threats to&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;national&nbsp;security.

The regulator last year designated five Chinese companies including Huawei Technologies Co and ZTE Corp as the first&nbsp;firms&nbsp;on the&nbsp;list, which was mandated under a 2019 law.&nbsp;Kaspersky&nbsp;is the first Russian company&nbsp;listed.

FCC&nbsp;Commissioner Brendan Carr said the new designations "will help secure our networks from&nbsp;threats posed by Chinese and Russian state-backed entities seeking to engage in espionage and otherwise harm America’s interests."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-cancels-license-of-china-owned-telecom-company-462991">US cancels license of China-owned telecom company</a>

U.S. officials have long said that running&nbsp;Kaspersky&nbsp;software could open American networks to malign activity from Moscow and banned&nbsp;Kaspersky's flagship antivirus product from federal networks in 2017. Moscow-based&nbsp;Kaspersky&nbsp;has consistently denied being a tool of the Russian government,

In naming&nbsp;Kaspersky, the&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;announcement did not cite Russia's invasion of Ukraine or recent warnings by President Joe Biden of potential cyberattacks by Russia in response to&nbsp;U.S. sanctions and support of Ukraine.

Kaspersky&nbsp;said in a statement that it was disappointed in the&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;decision, arguing it was "made on political grounds." The move was “unsubstantiated and is a response to the geopolitical climate rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of&nbsp;Kaspersky’s products and services," the company said.

The Chinese Embassy in Washington said Friday that the&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;"abused state power and maliciously attacked Chinese&nbsp;telecom&nbsp;operators again without factual basis. The&nbsp;U.S. should immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies.

"China&nbsp;will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," it added.

The Chinese companies did not immediately comment.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-telecom-giant-huawei-reportedly-helping-russia-to-stabilise-internet-network-459936">Chinese telecom giant Huawei reportedly helping Russia to stabilise internet network</a>

In October, the&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;revoked the&nbsp;U.S. authorization for&nbsp;China&nbsp;Telecom&nbsp;(Americas), saying it "is subject to exploitation, influence and control by the Chinese government."&nbsp;

The&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;cited its prior decisions to deny or revoke the Chinese&nbsp;telecom&nbsp;companies' ability to operate in United States in its decision to add them to the&nbsp;threat&nbsp;list.

The&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;also revoked the&nbsp;U.S. authorizations of&nbsp;China&nbsp;Unicom and Pacific Networks and its wholly owned subsidiary ComNet.

In 2019, the&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;rejected&nbsp;China&nbsp;Mobile's bid to provide&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;telecommunications services, citing&nbsp;national&nbsp;security&nbsp;risks.

Inclusion on the "covered&nbsp;list" means money from the&nbsp;FCC’s $8 billion annual Universal Service Fund may not be used to purchase or maintain products from the companies. The fund supports&nbsp;telecommunications for rural areas, low-income consumers, and facilities such as schools, libraries and hospitals.

The&nbsp;FCC&nbsp;last year also named Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Dahua Technology as&nbsp;security&nbsp;threats.

FCC&nbsp;Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said the agency worked closely with&nbsp;U.S.&nbsp;national&nbsp;security&nbsp;agencies to update the&nbsp;list&nbsp;and will add additional companies if warranted.

Watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for reporting Russian statement

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-youtube-blocks-wion-for-reporting-russian-statement-465572/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday added Russia's AO Kaspersky Lab, China Telecom (Americas) Corp and China Mobile International USA to its list of communications equipment and service providers deemed threats to U.

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Friday added Russia's AO Kaspersky Lab, China Telecom (Americas) Corp and China Mobile International USA to its list of communications equipment and service providers deemed threats to U.S. national security. The regulator last year designated five Chinese companies including Huawei Technologies Co and ZTE Corp as the first firms on the list, which was mandated under a 2019 law. Kaspersky is the first Russian company listed. FCC Commissioner Brendan Carr said the new designations "will help secure our networks from threats posed by Chinese and Russian state-backed entities seeking to engage in espionage and otherwise harm America’s interests." Also read | US cancels license of China-owned telecom company U.S. officials have long said that running Kaspersky software could open American networks to malign activity from Moscow and banned Kaspersky's flagship antivirus product from federal networks in 2017. Moscow-based Kaspersky has consistently denied being a tool of the Russian government, In naming Kaspersky, the FCC announcement did not cite Russia's invasion of Ukraine or recent warnings by President Joe Biden of potential cyberattacks by Russia in response to U.S. sanctions and support of Ukraine. Kaspersky said in a statement that it was disappointed in the FCC decision, arguing it was "made on political grounds." The move was “unsubstantiated and is a response to the geopolitical climate rather than a comprehensive evaluation of the integrity of Kaspersky’s products and services," the company said. The Chinese Embassy in Washington said Friday that the FCC "abused state power and maliciously attacked Chinese telecom operators again without factual basis. The U.S. should immediately stop its unreasonable suppression of Chinese companies. "China will take necessary measures to resolutely safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of Chinese companies," it added. The Chinese companies did not immediately comment. Also read | Chinese telecom giant Huawei reportedly helping Russia to stabilise internet network In October, the FCC revoked the U.S. authorization for China Telecom (Americas), saying it "is subject to exploitation, influence and control by the Chinese government." The FCC cited its prior decisions to deny or revoke the Chinese telecom companies' ability to operate in United States in its decision to add them to the threat list. The FCC also revoked the U.S. authorizations of China Unicom and Pacific Networks and its wholly owned subsidiary ComNet. In 2019, the FCC rejected China Mobile's bid to provide U.S. telecommunications services, citing national security risks. Inclusion on the "covered list" means money from the FCC’s $8 billion annual Universal Service Fund may not be used to purchase or maintain products from the companies. The fund supports telecommunications for rural areas, low-income consumers, and facilities such as schools, libraries and hospitals. The FCC last year also named Hytera Communications, Hangzhou Hikvision Digital Technology and Dahua Technology as security threats. FCC Chair Jessica Rosenworcel said the agency worked closely with U.S. national security agencies to update the list and will add additional companies if warranted. Watch | Gravitas: YouTube blocks WION for reporting Russian statement

US FCC adds Russia's Kaspersky, China telecom firms to national security threat list

<h2 dir="auto" title="Apple faces investigation for suspected unfair competition in Russia"><meta charset="utf-8" /></h2>

Apple&nbsp;is under&nbsp;investigation&nbsp;in&nbsp;Russia&nbsp;following a complaint from<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/i-live-in-constant-fearbulgaria-data-breach-victim-239482"> cybersecurity company</a> Kaspersky Lab and may be abusing its dominant market position, Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday.

Watchdog FAS said it was investigating why a new version of Kaspersky Lab's Safe Kids application had been declined by&nbsp;Apple's operating system, resulting in a significant loss in functionality for the parental control app.

It said&nbsp;Apple&nbsp;had released version 12 of its parental control app, Screen Time, which had similar functions to the Kaspersky program. Parental control apps allow parents to control their children's phone and tablet usage.

Asked about the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/robert-mueller-testimony-on-russia-meddling-investigation-postponed-reports-235395">Russian&nbsp;investigation,&nbsp;</a>Apple&nbsp;referred Reuters to an April 28 statement in which it said it had recently removed several parental control apps from its App Store because they "put users' privacy and security at risk."

It said several of these apps were using a "highly invasive" technology called Mobile Device Management (MDM) and that its use in a consumer-focused app was a violation of App Store policies.

Kaspersky said&nbsp;Apple's App Store guidelines allowed for limited use of MDM, but that it was not clear how to obtain&nbsp;Apple's permission to do so. It also said the requirements reduced the competitiveness of third party developers.

Apple is under investigation in Russia following a complaint from cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab and may be abusing its dominant market position, Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday.

Apple is under investigation in Russia following a complaint from cybersecurity company Kaspersky Lab and may be abusing its dominant market position, Russia's anti-monopoly watchdog said on Thursday. Watchdog FAS said it was investigating why a new version of Kaspersky Lab's Safe Kids application had been declined by Apple's operating system, resulting in a significant loss in functionality for the parental control app. It said Apple had released version 12 of its parental control app, Screen Time, which had similar functions to the Kaspersky program. Parental control apps allow parents to control their children's phone and tablet usage. Asked about the Russian investigation, Apple referred Reuters to an April 28 statement in which it said it had recently removed several parental control apps from its App Store because they "put users' privacy and security at risk." It said several of these apps were using a "highly invasive" technology called Mobile Device Management (MDM) and that its use in a consumer-focused app was a violation of App Store policies. Kaspersky said Apple's App Store guidelines allowed for limited use of MDM, but that it was not clear how to obtain Apple's permission to do so. It also said the requirements reduced the competitiveness of third party developers.

Apple faces investigation for suspected unfair competition in Russia

Your complete digital life - including data from your social media accounts, banking and credit card details -- can be sold by cybercriminals for less than US $50, scientists say.

While many of us have heard of, or even fallen victim to, cybercrimes such as data and identity theft, it seems that relatively few know the value of the information stolen from us.&nbsp;

Scientists from the Kaspersky Lab, a cybersecurity company in Russia, found that while our identity may not be worth a lot in terms of dollars, it is a significant asset to criminals in other ways.

The research uncovered an appetite among cybercriminals for data stolen from popular services - including via social media accounts and remote access to gaming websites.

User confusion about what their data is worth could result in a haphazard approach to security, making it all too easy for thieves to steal data and commit crime.

Data stolen due to people's lax security may have limited resale value, but can be put to many uses.

This can cause huge problems for an individual victim, who may lose money and their reputation, find themselves being chased for debt that somebody else has incurred in their name, or even suspected of a crime that somebody else has committed using their identity as a cover.

Kaspersky Lab investigated 'Dark Web' markets to find out how much personal data is worth, and how it is used by criminals.&nbsp;

The dark web, also referred to as the darknet, is an encrypted portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. These networks use the internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorisation to access.

The researchers found that criminals can sell someone's complete digital life for less than US $50; including data from stolen social media accounts, banking details, remote access to servers or desktops, and even data from popular services like Uber, Netflix, and Spotify, as well as gaming websites, dating apps, and porn websites which might store credit card information.

Meanwhile, researchers found that the price paid for a single hacked account is lower, with most selling for about US $1 per account, and with criminals offering up discounts for bulk-buying.

The most common way criminals steal this sort of data in the first place is via spear phishing campaigns or by exploiting a web related security vulnerability in an application's software.

After a successful attack, the criminal gets password dumps which contain a combination of emails and passwords for the hacked services. With many people using the same password for several accounts, attackers might be able to use this information to access accounts on other platforms too.

Some criminals selling data even provide their buyers with a lifetime warranty, so if one account stops working, the buyer will receive a new account for free.

"It is clear that data hacking is a major threat to us all, and this applies at both an individual and societal level, because stolen data funds many social evils," said David Jacoby, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab.

"Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent it, including by using cybersecurity software, and being aware of how much data we are giving away for free - particularly on publicly available social media profiles, or to organisations," said Jacoby.

People can avoid such risks by taking several easy security steps, which should become an integral part of any Internet user's digital life.

To stay safe from phishing, always check that the link address and the sender's email are genuine before clicking anything. A robust security solution will also warn you if you attempt to visit a phishing web page.

To avoid one data leak harming all your digital identities, never use the same password for several websites or services, researchers said.

Your complete digital life - including data from your social media accounts, banking and credit card details -- can be sold by cybercriminals for less than US $50, scientists say.

Your complete digital life - including data from your social media accounts, banking and credit card details -- can be sold by cybercriminals for less than US $50, scientists say. While many of us have heard of, or even fallen victim to, cybercrimes such as data and identity theft, it seems that relatively few know the value of the information stolen from us. Scientists from the Kaspersky Lab, a cybersecurity company in Russia, found that while our identity may not be worth a lot in terms of dollars, it is a significant asset to criminals in other ways. The research uncovered an appetite among cybercriminals for data stolen from popular services - including via social media accounts and remote access to gaming websites. User confusion about what their data is worth could result in a haphazard approach to security, making it all too easy for thieves to steal data and commit crime. Data stolen due to people's lax security may have limited resale value, but can be put to many uses. This can cause huge problems for an individual victim, who may lose money and their reputation, find themselves being chased for debt that somebody else has incurred in their name, or even suspected of a crime that somebody else has committed using their identity as a cover. Kaspersky Lab investigated 'Dark Web' markets to find out how much personal data is worth, and how it is used by criminals. The dark web, also referred to as the darknet, is an encrypted portion of the internet that is not indexed by search engines. These networks use the internet but require specific software, configurations, or authorisation to access. The researchers found that criminals can sell someone's complete digital life for less than US $50; including data from stolen social media accounts, banking details, remote access to servers or desktops, and even data from popular services like Uber, Netflix, and Spotify, as well as gaming websites, dating apps, and porn websites which might store credit card information. Meanwhile, researchers found that the price paid for a single hacked account is lower, with most selling for about US $1 per account, and with criminals offering up discounts for bulk-buying. The most common way criminals steal this sort of data in the first place is via spear phishing campaigns or by exploiting a web related security vulnerability in an application's software. After a successful attack, the criminal gets password dumps which contain a combination of emails and passwords for the hacked services. With many people using the same password for several accounts, attackers might be able to use this information to access accounts on other platforms too. Some criminals selling data even provide their buyers with a lifetime warranty, so if one account stops working, the buyer will receive a new account for free. "It is clear that data hacking is a major threat to us all, and this applies at both an individual and societal level, because stolen data funds many social evils," said David Jacoby, Senior Security Researcher at Kaspersky Lab. "Fortunately, there are steps we can take to prevent it, including by using cybersecurity software, and being aware of how much data we are giving away for free - particularly on publicly available social media profiles, or to organisations," said Jacoby. People can avoid such risks by taking several easy security steps, which should become an integral part of any Internet user's digital life. To stay safe from phishing, always check that the link address and the sender's email are genuine before clicking anything. A robust security solution will also warn you if you attempt to visit a phishing web page. To avoid one data leak harming all your digital identities, never use the same password for several websites or services, researchers said.

Your digital data could be on sale for less than US $50: Study

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Kaspersky's US Exit: cybersecurity concerns amid geopolitical tensions

US bans sale of Kaspersky software due to alleged Kremlin links

US FCC adds Russia's Kaspersky, China telecom firms to national security threat list

Apple faces investigation for suspected unfair competition in Russia

Your digital data could be on sale for less than US $50: Study