Moscow - Russian software specialist Ievgeni Kaspersky is to receive a Russian National Award for his work countering internet crime, it was announced Tuesday.

Kaspersky, 43-year-old head and co-founder of Kaspersky lab, is one of the world's leading experts in the field of internet security, the Kremlin said in Moscow.

The Russian National Award, which comes with five million roubles (159,000 dollars), is presented yearly on June 12, Russian independence day, to Russian citizens who have made contributions to science, culture and business.

According to the Kremlin, Kaspersky with his software has protected countless computer users and internet sites from cyber attacks.

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