The United States unveiled sanctions on Friday against 12 senior leaders of the Russia-based cybersecurity firm Kaspersky Lab, a day after banning the sale of its popular antivirus software on national security grounds. 

The widespread sanctions targeted company leadership, including the chief business development officer, chief operating officer, legal officer, corporate communications chief and others, while sparing the chief executive and the company itself, the Treasury Department said in a statement announcing the designation.  

"Today's action against the leadership of Kaspersky Lab underscores our commitment to ensure the integrity of our cyber domain and to protect our citizens against malicious cyber threats," said U.S. Under Secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Brian E. Nelson. "The United States will take action where necessary to hold accountable those who would seek to facilitate or otherwise enable these activities."

Earlier on Friday, the Kremlin said that the U.S. decision to ban sales of Kaspersky's software was a typical move by Washington to stifle foreign competition with American products.

(With input from agencies)