Billionaire Profile

Global Rank

#2019

Image: Public domain | via Wikimedia Commons

Eugene Kaspersky

CEO, Kaspersky Lab

Real-Time Net Worth

$0.8B

As of December 2025

Age

Source

Software

Industry

technology

Citizenship

Biography

Eugene Kaspersky is a prominent figure in the cybersecurity field, recognized for co-founding and leading Kaspersky Lab, a global IT security company. Born in Novorossiysk, Russia, on October 4, 1965, Kaspersky's journey into cybersecurity began with an accidental encounter with the Cascade virus in 1989. This led him to develop his first anti-virus program. He holds a degree in mathematical engineering and computer technology from the KGB Higher School. In 1997, he co-founded Kaspersky Lab, where he served as Head of Research, identifying government-sponsored cyber warfare. He is the CEO of Kaspersky Lab, which, in 2024, reported a record revenue of $822 million. Throughout his career, Kaspersky has been an advocate for international treaties against cyber warfare, making him a well-known expert in the field. His net worth is estimated to be $800 million, and he has five children.

Wealth Over Time

In-Depth Profile

Early Life and Education

Eugene Kaspersky was born on October 4, 1965, in Novorossiysk, Russia. At the age of 16, he enrolled in a five-year program at The Technical Faculty of the KGB Higher School. He graduated in 1987 with a degree in mathematical engineering and computer technology.

Rise to Success

Kaspersky's interest in IT security began in 1989 when his computer was infected by the Cascade virus. This prompted him to create a program to remove it. He went on to join KAMI, a Russian company, and in 1992, released Antiviral Toolkit Pro. In 1997, he co-founded Kaspersky Lab with his then-future wife, Natalya Kaspersky, and Alexey De-Monderik, with Natalya as the CEO and Eugene as Head of Research. The company developed rapidly and was the only one able to clean the CIH virus (Chernobyl virus) at the time. Kaspersky became the CEO of Kaspersky Lab in 2007.

Key Business Strategies

Kaspersky Lab focuses on identifying and predicting cyber threats and developing technologies to defend against them. The company has developed a two-fold mission, which is identifying and predicting cyber threats, and developing the necessary products to defend against them. The company's revenue reached a record $822 million in 2024.

Philanthropy

Kaspersky supports projects in IT security. He is also interested in initiatives that combine human excellence, art, and IT.

Career Milestones

1989

Discovery of Cascade Virus

Kaspersky's computer was infected by the Cascade virus, sparking his interest in cybersecurity.

1991

Joined KAMI

Kaspersky joined KAMI and worked on anti-virus software full-time.

1992

Release of Antiviral Toolkit Pro

Kaspersky released Antiviral Toolkit Pro.

1994

Hamburg University Recognition

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

1997

Founded Kaspersky Lab

Co-founded Kaspersky Lab.

2007

CEO of Kaspersky Lab

Became the CEO of Kaspersky Lab.

Philanthropy & Social Impact

Education

IT Security Projects

Unknown

Supports university projects in IT security.

Business Philosophy & Leadership

Notable Quotes

"We provide the world's best X-ray. It is made to ring for anything!"

Leadership Principles

Innovation

Constantly challenging the status quo to do what others can't.

Transparency

Openness and honesty in business operations.

Controversies & Challenges

2017

Allegations of Ties to Russian Intelligence

Accusations of Kaspersky Lab's involvement with the Russian Federal Security Service (FSB).

2015

VirusTotal False Positives

Allegations that the company introduced modified files into the VirusTotal community anti-virus database to trick its rivals’ programs.

2022

Ukraine War Statement

Kaspersky's neutral statement on the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine sparked controversy.