Kaspersky's Global Usage Plummets After US Ban
The use of Kaspersky products worldwide has plummeted following a US government ban, with a significant drop from nearly 22,000 organizations in April 2024 to around 8,000 by November. Despite the decline, some US entities continue to use the software, while Kaspersky maintains its innocence and contests the ban.
In July 2024, Kaspersky announced it would cease operations in the US, following a Final Determination by the US Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS) prohibiting the company from providing products or services in the country. This decision came after the US government raised concerns about the company's alleged ties to the Russian regime, which Kaspersky has consistently denied.
The impact of the ban has been substantial, with the number of global organizations using Kaspersky products falling sharply. However, the decline has been faster in countries without explicit bans, such as Germany, the UK, and Italy, suggesting a chilling effect on international usage. Despite the ban, 19 US government entities continue to use Kaspersky products, although the specific organizations remain unknown.
The US government's ban on Kaspersky products has led to a significant reduction in global usage, with a steep decline from nearly 22,000 organizations to around 8,000 in just seven months. While Kaspersky has vowed to contest the ban and wind down its US operations, some US government entities continue to use the software, raising questions about the ban's effectiveness and the company's future in the global market.
