Eugene Kaspersky

$2.03 B

Ranked #1996 in World

About Eugene Kaspersky

Born in the Soviet Union in 1965, Yevgeny Kaspersky, a notable figure in the cybersecurity industry, founded Kaspersky Lab in 1997 after his personal experience with a computer virus sparked his interest in IT security. With a background that includes education at a KGB-sponsored school and service in the Soviet military's intelligence sector, Kaspersky's career transitioned to technology, where he led Kaspersky Lab to become a pioneer in uncovering significant cyber threats such as the Stuxnet worm and Flame virus. Despite controversies regarding his alleged ties to Russian intelligence and debates over Internet privacy, Kaspersky's contributions to IT security are widely recognized. As CEO, he has expanded the company's global presence while advocating for cybersecurity measures against cyberwarfare. Living in Moscow, Kaspersky is also known for his adventurous lifestyle and commitment to supporting IT security education.

Born

October 04, 1965 in Novorossiysk, Krasnodar Krai, Soviet Union

Age

60 years

Source Of Wealth

Software

Industries

Technology

Citizenship

Russia

Residence

Moscow

Education

Master of Science, Institute of Cryptography, Telecommunications and Computer Science (FSB Academy)

Spouse

Natalya Kaspersky (1986–1998)

Children

Maxim (b. 1989), Ivan (b. 1991)

Yevgeny Kaspersky was born on October 4, 1965, in Novorossiysk, Soviet Union. He grew up near Moscow and developed an early interest in math and technology. Kaspersky attended A.N. Kolmogorov boarding school, specializing in math, and joined the youth division of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

He entered a five-year program at The Technical Faculty of the KGB Higher School, preparing intelligence officers for the Russian military and KGB. Kaspersky graduated in 1987 with a degree in mathematical engineering and computer technology and served the Soviet military intelligence service as a software engineer.

Eugene Kaspersky: Family

Yevgeny Kaspersky is married to his second wife, Natalya Kaspersky, and they have five children together. He was previously married and divorced in 1998. His son, Ivan, was kidnapped in 2011 but was rescued after Kaspersky worked with the FSB and Russian police.

Eugene Kaspersky: Career Highlights

Kaspersky's interest in IT security began in 1989 when his PC was infected with the Cascade virus. He developed a program to remove the virus and continued finding and removing new viruses as a hobby. In 1991, he was granted early release from military service and left the defense ministry to work full-time on his antivirus product at the Information Technology Center of KAMI.

Kaspersky improved the software with colleagues and released it as Antiviral Toolkit Pro in 1992. The software gained recognition after winning first place in a competitive analysis by Hamburg University in Germany in 1994. In 1997, Kaspersky Lab was founded by Kaspersky, his then-future wife Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik. Natalya became the CEO, while Eugene headed research.

The CIH virus (Chernobyl virus) in 1998 boosted demand for Kaspersky's anti-virus products. The company grew rapidly in the late 1990s, with annual revenue growth of 280% from 1998 to 2000. The antivirus product was renamed Kaspersky Antivirus in 2000.

Eugene Kaspersky: Companies

Yevgeny Kaspersky is the founder and CEO of Kaspersky Lab, a global cybersecurity company headquartered in Moscow, Russia.

Kaspersky Lab is known for its anti-virus software and other cybersecurity products and services.

Eugene Kaspersky: Major Achievements

As head of research at Kaspersky Lab, Yevgeny Kaspersky authored papers on viruses and promoted the software at conferences. He established the company's Global Research and Expert Analysis Team (GReAT) to investigate IT security threats. Kaspersky hired the researcher who identified the Stuxnet worm, believed to be the first instance of a state-sponsored cyberweapon.

He also exposed the Flame virus at the request of the International Telecommunication Union, believed to be used for cyber-espionage in Middle-Eastern countries. Kaspersky Lab gained a reputation for discovering cybersecurity threats, including the Carbanak group and Equation Group.

Eugene Kaspersky: Awards & Achievements

Yevgeny Kaspersky has received numerous awards and recognitions for his contributions to cybersecurity. Some of his notable awards include:

The Infosecurity Europe Hall of Fame Award (2009)
The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award (2012)
The Global Virus Bulletin Hall of Fame Award (2013)
The RSA Conference Lifetime Achievement Award (2018)

Eugene Kaspersky: Personal Life & Legacy

Yevgeny Kaspersky lives in Moscow with his wife and five children. He is known for his adventurous lifestyle, including racing sports cars and participating in various projects. Kaspersky shuns formal attire and supports university projects in IT security.

He is one of the richest people in Russia, with a net worth of about $1 billion. Kaspersky is influential among politicians and security experts and has advocated for an international cyberwarfare treaty to ban government-sponsored cyberattacks.

Eugene Kaspersky: Trivia

Yevgeny Kaspersky is a fan of science fiction and has written several books on the topic.
He is also a licensed pilot and enjoys flying small planes.
Kaspersky is a supporter of the Russian Orthodox Church and has donated money to various religious organizations.
He is a member of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the Russian Academy of Engineering.

Kaspersky is fluent in Russian, English, and German.

Wealth History

Timeline

October 4, 1965

Yevgeny Kaspersky is born in Novorossiysk, Soviet Union.

1987

Graduates from The Technical Faculty of the KGB Higher School with a degree in mathematical engineering and computer technology.

1989

Kaspersky's interest in IT security begins when his PC is infected with the Cascade virus.

1991

Granted early release from military service and leaves the defense ministry to work full-time on his antivirus product at the Information Technology Center of KAMI.

1992

Releases Antiviral Toolkit Pro, which later becomes Kaspersky Antivirus.

1994

Kaspersky's software wins first place in a competitive analysis by Hamburg University in Germany.

1997

Kaspersky Lab is founded by Kaspersky, his then-future wife Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik.

1998

The CIH virus (Chernobyl virus) boosts demand for Kaspersky's anti-virus products.

2000

Antivirus product is renamed to Kaspersky Antivirus.

2007

Kaspersky becomes CEO of Kaspersky Lab.

2011

Kaspersky's son, Ivan, is kidnapped but rescued after Kaspersky works with the FSB and Russian police.

Eugene Kaspersky : FAQs

What is Eugene Kaspersky's current net worth?

Eugene Kaspersky's current net worth is $2.03 billion.

What is Eugene Kaspersky's current global rank among billionaires?

Eugene Kaspersky holds the 1996th position globally among billionaires.

What is Eugene Kaspersky's current ranking within the Russia?

Eugene Kaspersky holds the 62nd position in Russia.

What was the change in Eugene Kaspersky's net worth compared to the previous year?

Eugene Kaspersky's net worth increased by 337.68 million dollars compared to the previous year 2025, when his net worth was 1.69 billion dollars.

What are Eugene Kaspersky's main sources of wealth?

Eugene Kaspersky's main source of income comes from Software.

In which industry does Eugene Kaspersky primarily operate?

Eugene Kaspersky is primarily involved in the Technology industry.

What is Eugene Kaspersky educational background?

Eugene Kaspersky holds a Master of Science from Institute of Cryptography from Telecommunications and Computer Science (FSB Academy).

How old is Eugene Kaspersky?

Eugene Kaspersky is 60 years old.

How many children does Eugene Kaspersky have?

Eugene Kaspersky has 5 children.

Who is Yevgeny Kaspersky and what is he known for?

Yevgeny Kaspersky is the CEO of Kaspersky Lab, well-known for developing antivirus software. He gained recognition in the IT security world for his research on cybersecurity threats and founding Kaspersky Lab, a leading global cyber security company.

How did Yevgeny Kaspersky's interest in IT security begin?

His interest began in 1989 when his personal computer was infected by the Cascade virus. This prompted him to develop a program to remove it, eventually leading to his full-time career in antivirus development and IT security research.

What significant achievements did Kaspersky Lab make under Yevgeny's leadership?

Under Yevgeny's leadership, Kaspersky Lab discovered several major cybersecurity threats, developed the Global Research and Expert Analysis Team (GReAT), and grew into a prominent cybersecurity firm. Notable discoveries include the Stuxnet worm and Flame virus.

What are some of Yevgeny Kaspersky's views on internet security and cyberwarfare?

Yevgeny Kaspersky has advocated for an international treaty to ban government-sponsored cyberattacks and proposed regulating the Internet with varying levels of user identification to enhance security. His views on anonymity and privacy have sparked controversy.

What controversies are associated with Yevgeny Kaspersky and Kaspersky Lab?

Controversies include allegations of ties to Russian intelligence, accusations of espionage via Kaspersky Lab’s products, and claims of anti-virus spoofing against competitors. Yevgeny Kaspersky denies these allegations, defending the company's integrity and focus on global cyber security.