Recorded Future, a leading American threat intelligence company, has been labeled as an “undesirable” organization by the Russian government, marking the first time a cybersecurity firm has received this designation. The classification effectively prohibits all company operations within Russia.

Russia’s Prosecutor General’s Office justified the ban by claiming that Recorded Future:
– Provides technical support for Western propaganda campaigns against Russia
– Collaborates with the CIA and other intelligence services
– Assists Ukraine with data on Russian military activities
– Supplies tools for cyber operations against Russian assets

The company, recently acquired by Mastercard for $2.65 billion, serves over 1,900 businesses and government organizations across 75 countries. CEO Christopher Ahlberg responded positively to the designation, considering it a “rare compliment.”

This move aligns with Russia’s broader strategy of restricting Western organizations’ operations within its borders, using legislation introduced nearly a decade ago initially targeting NGOs. The designation represents an escalation in Russia’s approach to international cybersecurity firms operating in or monitoring its territory.