Kaspersky lays off employees as it exits UK market, to retain channel partners

Kaspersky, the Russia-based cybersecurity company, is winding up its business in the United Kingdom and laying off its employees, a report has said. Notably, the antivirus giant announced three months ago that it is closing down in the US.
According to Kaspersky spokesperson Francesco Tius, there are “less than 50 employees” in its London office.

"Kaspersky will commence a wind-down of the U.K. office operations, reorienting its business in the country toward the partner channel. This step will enable our company to harness available business opportunities in the UK market in a more efficient manner, strengthening overall business prosperity. Our customers and partners in the U.K. will maintain full access to the company’s European team and its strong and well-established partner network, through which we will continue distributing Kaspersky´s industry-leading cybersecurity products and services.The European region remains a key market for the company and Kaspersky is committed to providing its award-winning portfolio of solutions to help customers and users protect what matters to them. The current changes reflect Kaspersky’s greater focus on operational success and profitability, which are the company’s key strategy for future business development," the company told TOI Tech in a statement.

In June, Kaspersky said that it will exit the US market, gradually winding down its operations from July 20, after the Biden administration announced plans to ban sales of Kaspersky’s software citing security risks. Reports said that Kaspersky will eliminate all US-based positions affecting “less than 50 employees in the US.”
At that time, Kaspersky told The Times of India Tech team that the company does not engage in activities which threaten US national security. The antivirus giant added that it intends to pursue all legally available options to preserve its current operations and relationships.
In addition to the June sanctions against Kaspersky's senior leadership, including its chief business development officer, chief operating officer, legal officer, and corporate communications chief, the government also banned the sale of Kaspersky antivirus software.