Early Life
Eugene Kaspersky was born in Novorossiysk, Soviet Union, on October 4, 1965. He developed an early interest in math and technology, participating in math competitions and attending specialized programs. He studied at the Institute of Cryptography, Telecommunications and Computer Science, graduating in 1987 with a degree in mathematical engineering and computer technology. After graduating, he served in the Soviet military intelligence service as a software engineer.
Rise to Success
Kaspersky's career in cybersecurity began in 1989 when his computer was infected with the Cascade virus. He analyzed the virus and developed a removal tool, sparking his passion for computer security. In 1991, he left the military to focus on his antivirus software. He joined KAMI Information Technologies Center where he and his colleagues developed the AVP antivirus project in 1992, which later became Kaspersky Anti-Virus. In 1997, he co-founded Kaspersky Lab with his wife, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik, and he became the CEO in 2007. Under his leadership, Kaspersky Lab has identified major cyber threats and government-sponsored cyber espionage campaigns.
Key Business Strategies
Kaspersky Lab's key strategies include a focus on advanced threat detection and research. The company developed its Global Research and Analysis Team (GReAT) to investigate cyber threats. Kaspersky Lab has expanded globally, with offices in numerous countries. The company has also focused on innovation, with the launch of products like Kaspersky Next and KasperskyOS.
Philanthropy
While specific amounts are difficult to pinpoint, Kaspersky is involved in supporting various projects, including the Ferrari Formula One racing team and archaeological digs.