Kaspersky Lab
A multinational cybersecurity company providing consumer security software, enterprise protection, threat intelligence, and secure-by-design technologies.
Last updated October 31, 2026
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Overview
Kaspersky Lab is a privately held cybersecurity company headquartered in Moscow, Russia. Founded in 1997 by Eugene Kaspersky, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik, it grew out of Eugene Kaspersky’s work on antivirus technology during the late 1980s and early 1990s. Its early products were developed in response to emerging computer viruses and were later commercialized as AntiViral Toolkit Pro, or AVP. After the AVP trademark was unavailable in the United States, the product was renamed Kaspersky Anti-Virus. The company’s early growth was driven by strong malware-detection performance, international distribution agreements, and an expansion strategy led in large part by Natalya Kaspersky. A 1994 evaluation by Hamburg University increased the visibility of the technology, while the 1998 CIH virus outbreak helped establish Kaspersky’s reputation because its software was among the products able to remove the infection at the time. By 2000, Kaspersky had offices or sales relationships across numerous countries and was selling outside Russia for a substantial share of its business. It subsequently expanded its regional presence in Europe, Asia-Pacific, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, and the Americas. Kaspersky’s portfolio extends beyond traditional antivirus software. Consumer products have included Kaspersky Anti-Virus, Internet Security, and Total Security, later reorganized into Basic, Plus, and Premium tiers. These products combine malware protection with features such as phishing defense, privacy controls, password management, parental controls, and device protection. Enterprise offerings include endpoint security, industrial and operational-technology protection, cloud and container security, security information and event management, extended detection and response, fraud prevention, mobile security, and secure network infrastructure. KasperskyOS is a proprietary microkernel operating system designed around isolation, default-deny controls, and secure-by-design principles for embedded, industrial, automotive, and critical-infrastructure environments. The company is also known for the work of its Global Research and Analysis Team, which investigates sophisticated malware and cyber-espionage operations. Kaspersky researchers have reported on campaigns and platforms associated with highly capable state-linked actors, including the Equation Group and Stuxnet-related activity. The company publishes threat research and security-risk studies and has licensed its security technology to other technology and security vendors. Kaspersky’s international position has been affected by continuing concerns about its Russian ownership, operating environment, and alleged relationships with Russian security institutions. Kaspersky has denied that it assists governments with offensive cyber operations. In response to government restrictions and trust concerns, it launched a transparency program, established review centers, invited independent scrutiny of its software and processes, and moved important infrastructure and customer-data operations to Switzerland. The United States prohibited sales and updates to US customers in 2024 and imposed sanctions on senior executives; Kaspersky then announced its withdrawal from that market. Despite these restrictions, the company continues to serve customers internationally and maintains offices in multiple regions.
History
Kaspersky Lab’s technological origins date to 1989, when Eugene Kaspersky developed an antivirus program after encountering the Cascade virus. The early tool contained only a small number of virus signatures and was initially shared within a limited personal and professional circle. Eugene continued developing the technology while working at KAMI, where it evolved into AntiViral Toolkit Pro, released commercially in 1992. A 1994 comparative evaluation by Hamburg University placed the software first among tested products, giving it important international credibility. In 1997, Eugene Kaspersky, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik left KAMI and founded Kaspersky Lab. The company continued developing AVP, which was later renamed Kaspersky Anti-Virus for the US market because another company controlled the AVP trademark there. The 1998 CIH virus outbreak became an important commercial turning point. Kaspersky’s software was reported to be one of the few products capable of removing the infection during the initial outbreak, increasing demand and helping the company secure technology and distribution relationships in Japan, Finland, Germany, and other markets. Revenue expanded rapidly between 1998 and 2000, with foreign sales representing a significant portion of the business. Natalya Kaspersky helped build overseas partnerships and localization programs, and offices were opened in the United Kingdom, Poland, the Netherlands, China, Germany, France, the United States, and Japan. Further regional expansion reached Southeast Asia, the Middle East, South Africa, India, and other markets. During the 2000s, Kaspersky broadened from a core antivirus vendor into a multinational security company. It built a global research operation, expanded enterprise offerings, and developed technology licensed by other security and networking companies. The business reached a substantial international user base and became one of the largest security-software vendors in Europe. In 2010 it ranked among the leading antivirus vendors by revenue, and in 2012 it became the first Russian company included in the Software Top 100 ranking cited by reference sources. In 2011, General Atlantic acquired a 20 percent stake with an expected role in helping Kaspersky prepare for a public offering. Kaspersky later chose to remain private and repurchased the stake. The disagreement over a possible flotation was followed by executive departures, alongside later reported disputes concerning management and company direction. Kaspersky also left the Business Software Alliance at the start of 2012 because it opposed the organization’s support for SOPA-related legislation. The company’s research profile grew through the work of its Global Research and Analysis Team, which investigated advanced malware, espionage platforms, and organized cybercrime. Kaspersky researchers contributed public analysis of Equation Group activity and the Stuxnet ecosystem and continued publishing threat intelligence and security-risk research. From 2015 onward, the company faced intensified scrutiny. Allegations concerning VirusTotal submissions were denied. In 2017, the US government prohibited federal agencies from using Kaspersky software amid allegations that the company’s Russian connections created a security risk. Kaspersky denied assisting Russian intelligence and responded with a Global Transparency Initiative. It opened transparency centers, offered source-code review arrangements, and moved key infrastructure and customer-data operations to Switzerland. Kaspersky continued developing enterprise, industrial, cloud, and secure-operating-system products. KasperskyOS was introduced as a secure-by-design platform for embedded and critical systems, while later products addressed XDR, SIEM, industrial control, hybrid cloud, software-defined networking, and IoT security. Partnerships included long-running cooperation with INTERPOL, a commercial relationship with Ferrari, and agreements with organizations in Africa and other regions. In 2023, Kaspersky disclosed an iPhone compromise affecting senior personnel. In 2024, the US prohibited sales and updates to US customers and sanctioned senior leaders, leading Kaspersky to announce its exit from the US market. Its software was subsequently replaced on some US customer devices by UltraAV, an episode that generated customer criticism. The company remains active internationally, with customers in more than 200 countries and offices across several global regions.
- 2024
US market exit
[1]Kaspersky announces its withdrawal from the United States after government restrictions on sales and updates.
- 2023
iPhone campaign disclosed
[1]The company reports a long-running iPhone compromise affecting staff and managers.
- 2017
Global Transparency Initiative launched
[1]Kaspersky introduces transparency centers and source-code review measures in response to trust and geopolitical concerns.
- 2011
General Atlantic investment and repurchase
[1]General Atlantic acquires a 20 percent stake, which Kaspersky later repurchases after deciding not to pursue an IPO.
- 1998
CIH outbreak accelerates growth
[1]The company gains visibility after its software successfully addresses the CIH virus outbreak.
- 1997
Kaspersky Lab founded
[1]Eugene Kaspersky, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik establish Kaspersky Lab.
- 1992
AntiViral Toolkit Pro released
[1]The antivirus technology developed at KAMI is released as AntiViral Toolkit Pro, or AVP.
- 1989
Early antivirus development
[1]Eugene Kaspersky develops an antivirus program in response to the Cascade virus.
Products and positioning
A technology-led cybersecurity brand positioned around malware research, broad defensive coverage, threat intelligence, and protection for both consumers and organizations.
Consumer cybersecurity · 2023
Kaspersky Basic, Plus, and Premium
The current consumer subscription lineup replacing the earlier Anti-Virus, Internet Security, and Total Security tiers. Depending on the plan, the products combine malware protection with privacy, phishing defense, password management, parental controls, and broader identity or device-protection features.
Enterprise endpoint security
Kaspersky Endpoint Security for Business
A business security suite with endpoint protection, centralized administration through Kaspersky Security Center, reporting, quarantine, policy management, and related controls for organizational environments.
XDR and endpoint security
Kaspersky Next
A family of business detection-and-response offerings, including endpoint and extended detection capabilities designed to help organizations identify, investigate, and contain attacks.
Industrial cybersecurity
Kaspersky Industrial CyberSecurity
Security products and services for operational technology and industrial-control environments, aimed at protecting industrial systems while accounting for their availability and safety requirements.
Secure operating system · 2017
KasperskyOS
A proprietary microkernel operating system built around component isolation, a minimal trusted base, default-deny enforcement, and policy-based security. It is intended for network equipment, industrial systems, IoT gateways, vehicles, and other critical environments.
IoT and industrial security · 2021
Kaspersky IoT Secure Gateway
Secure gateway appliances based on KasperskyOS for connecting and protecting industrial or Internet-of-Things environments.
Cybersecurity services
Threat intelligence and GReAT research
Research, intelligence, incident-analysis, and reporting activities associated with Kaspersky’s Global Research and Analysis Team and other security operations.
Security media · 2009
Threatpost
A Kaspersky-funded computer-security news and analysis website. It was presented as editorially independent and stopped publishing new articles after August 2022.
Controversies
2024
US prohibition and forced market exit
The US prohibited Kaspersky from selling and distributing software and updates to US customers and sanctioned senior leaders. Kaspersky announced that it would leave the market.
2021
Russia fines Apple over App Store antitrust practices
In April 2021, Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service fined Apple $12 million over alleged antitrust practices in the distribution of mobile applications on iOS. The authority stated that Apple abused its dominant position and ordered changes to App Store terms and to the treatment of apps. Apple rejected the accusations and appealed. The event was reported in connection with Kaspersky Lab.
2021
Russian antimonopoly watchdog fines Kaspersky Lab over advertising
Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service fined Kaspersky Lab 100,000 rubles for advertising that it found unreliable and misleading consumers about the price of Kaspersky Password Manager. A FAS commission found the advertising violated advertising-law requirements.
2017
Government restrictions over alleged Russian ties
US authorities restricted Kaspersky products in federal systems, citing national-security concerns and alleged relationships with Russian security institutions. Kaspersky denied improper cooperation with Russian intelligence.
2015
VirusTotal manipulation allegations
Former employees alleged that Kaspersky had inserted modified files into the VirusTotal ecosystem to trigger false positives in competing products. The company denied the allegations and disputed the authenticity and motives behind reported emails.
Marketing campaigns
- 2017Global Transparency Initiative
Global
Kaspersky established transparency centers and related review mechanisms so partners, authorities, and other stakeholders could inspect aspects of its software and operational practices.
Outcome. The initiative became a central part of Kaspersky’s response to geopolitical and trust concerns.
- 2013INTERPOL Global Complex for Innovation cooperation
Global
Kaspersky supported INTERPOL’s Singapore innovation center with digital-forensics tools and expertise for cybercrime investigations.
Outcome. The cooperation was expanded through later information-sharing and joint-operation agreements.
Brand decisions
2024
Withdrawal from the United StatesStrategyBackground
US authorities prohibited sales and software updates and sanctioned senior Kaspersky leaders.
Action taken
Kaspersky announced that it would leave the US market.
Aftermath
US customer installations were later replaced by UltraAV software in an abrupt transition that drew user criticism.
2023
Consumer lineup reorganizedGeneration changeBackground
Kaspersky modernized its consumer product architecture and subscription tiers.
Action taken
Basic, Plus, and Premium replaced the earlier Anti-Virus, Internet Security, and Total Security names.
Aftermath
The new tier structure became the principal consumer offering.
2011
Remain privately heldStrategyBackground
General Atlantic invested in the company with an expectation that it could support a public offering.
Action taken
Kaspersky chose not to proceed with an IPO and repurchased the investor’s stake.
Aftermath
The company remained private, while disagreements over ownership and management were followed by executive departures.
Annual revenue. $667 million (2013; unaudited figure)
1997
Founding of Kaspersky LabProduct launchBackground
The founders separated from KAMI to build a dedicated company around the AVP antivirus technology.
Action taken
Kaspersky Lab was established and continued commercial development of its antivirus products.
Aftermath
The company became an international cybersecurity vendor.
Recent events
- Unconfirmed
Kaspersky acquires Brain4Net[5]
Kaspersky acquired Brain4Net. Brain4Net's team is joining Kaspersky and is expected to contribute to its network security strategy and SASE and XDR offerings.
Kaspersky partners with Range of Motion Project for Climbing for ROMP[6]
Reported:
Kaspersky announced an official partnership with Range of Motion Project for its seventh annual Climbing for ROMP initiative. The initiative’s stated goal is to help people with amputation receive prosthetic care and raise awareness about unequal access to technology.
- Unconfirmed
Russia fines Apple over App Store antitrust practices[3]
Reported:
Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service fined Apple $12 million over alleged antitrust practices in distributing mobile applications on iOS. The authority said Apple abused its dominant position and ordered changes to App Store terms and app treatment; Apple rejected the accusations and appealed.
Russian antimonopoly watchdog fines Kaspersky Lab over advertising[4]
Reported:
Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service fined Kaspersky Lab 100,000 rubles for advertising that it found unreliable and misleading consumers about the price of Kaspersky Password Manager. A FAS commission found the advertising violated advertising-law requirements.
Kaspersky receives Best Cybersecurity Brand 2020 award[7]
Reported:
Kaspersky was recognized as the Best Cybersecurity Brand for 2020 and received an honor for Product Innovation in the category at an industry award ceremony. The article does not specify the ceremony date.
- Unconfirmed
Kaspersky wins Red Dot Award 2020[8]
Reported:
Kaspersky received a Red Dot Award in the Brands & Communication Design 2020 category.
- Unconfirmed
Kaspersky updates partnership memorandum with SAFCSP[9]
Reported:
Kaspersky updated its memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones to support youth cybersecurity skills and career preparation in Saudi Arabia.
Kaspersky and SAFCSP update cybersecurity partnership[10]
Reported:
Kaspersky and the Saudi Federation for Cyber Security, Programming and Drones updated their memorandum of understanding and joined forces on the CyberHub initiative, with Kaspersky providing training materials and a curriculum.
- Unconfirmed
Kaspersky achieves ISO/IEC 27001 certification[11]
Reported:
Kaspersky achieved ISO/IEC 27001:2013 certification for its information security management systems, including Kaspersky Security Network.
Kaspersky and EclecticIQ announce threat-intelligence partnership[12]
Reported:
Kaspersky and EclecticIQ announced a collaboration to provide Kaspersky threat intelligence to EclecticIQ customers through EclecticIQ's platform and related services.
Showing the 10 most recent.
Sources17 sources
- 1Kaspersky Laben.wikipedia.org
- 2Kaspersky official websitekaspersky.com
- 3Russia fines Apple over App Store antitrust practicesimore.com
- 4Russian antimonopoly watchdog fines Kaspersky Lab over advertisingrapsinews.com
- 5卡巴斯基收购 Brain4Netilonggotechblog.com
- 6Kaspersky 与 Range of Motion Project 合作支持 Climbing for ROMPprnewswire.com
- 7卡巴斯基获得 2020 年最佳网络安全品牌奖aninews.in
- 8Kaspersky获得2020年红点奖business-review.eu
- 9卡巴斯基更新与沙特网络安全、编程和无人机联合会的合作备忘录arabnews.com
- 10卡巴斯基与SAFCSP更新网络安全合作saudigazette.com.sa
- 11卡巴斯基取得ISO/IEC 27001认证it-online.co.za
- 12卡巴斯基与 EclecticIQ 建立威胁情报合作prnewswire.com
- 13Kaspersky在亚太地区展示更新后的办公室形象manilatimes.net
- 14卡巴斯基为亚太地区办公室更新标志和配色ilonggotechblog.com
- 15卡巴斯基获评反病毒软件类别年度品牌bizcommunity.com
- 16卡巴斯基与二十世纪福克斯推出《终结者：黑暗命运》促销活动ilonggotechblog.com
- 17Kaspersky wins the ‘Best Cybersecurity Brand 2020’ Awardarchive.siasat.com
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