The U.S. unleashed sanctions on 12 top executives of Russia-based cybersecurity giant Kaspersky Lab on Friday, escalating tensions over digital safety. The move comes just a day after Washington banned sales of the company’s antivirus software, citing national security risks 🚨.
While Kaspersky’s CEO and the firm itself dodged direct penalties, the sanctions targeted key figures like its chief operating officer and legal head, freezing their U.S. assets. The Treasury Department called it a bid to 'protect citizens from malicious cyber threats,' framing the action as part of a broader defense strategy 🛡️.
'This isn’t about competition—it’s about security,' a U.S. Treasury official emphasized. But the Kremlin fired back, accusing Washington of using 'old tricks' to crush foreign rivals and boost American tech dominance 💻.
With Kaspersky’s software used by millions globally, the clash highlights growing friction between major powers in the shadowy world of cyber defense. Could this spark a new wave of digital trade wars? Stay tuned 🌐⚡.
