Expanding Cyber Demands Embolden Chinaâs Homegrown Cybersecurity Darlings>
The Diplomat – Mohammed Shihab
Echoing the vast yet still growing population of Chinese internet users, the country has seen no shortage of companies respond to the rallying call for better cyber security. Among its most important initiatives, the countryâs leadership has outlined the cyber defense arena as one of specific importance. Labeling the directives as defensively oriented, China is building a welcoming ecosystem for its homegrown darlings as it seeks to expand its cybersecurity capacities. As the countryâs ambitious Made in China 2025 takes off and the government invests heavily into smart manufacturing and smart cities, tech and cybersecurity are equally vital sides of the same transformative coin. Chinaâs leadership has created an ambitious technology roadmap that includes significant improvements in manufacturing, consumer technology, and even smart cities. However, without cyber security, many of these dreams will struggle to become a reality. The plan â consisting of mart electric grids, millions of IoT connected devices, automation, and the use of AI and machine learning â creates severe vulnerabilities and security concerns. Moreover, the rising prominence of cyber warfare has added urgency in terms of developing defensive capabilities. Some Chinese companies have already heeded Chinaâs clarion call. Qihoo 360, one of the biggest cybersecurity firms in the world, has taken up the torch with promising cyber tools that meet several of Chinaâs unique needs. Since delisting from the New York Stock Exchange in 2016, Qihoo 360 relisted in Shanghai in 2018 in part to qualify for government and military contracts. The company already plays an outsized role in the local technology ecosystem, taking a commanding lead as far as domestic market share for antivirus software while delivering other security products for both enterprise and government. Furthermore, Zhouâs comments echo government calls for more companies to come home as the leadership pins the future of economic prosperity squarely on the technology industry, especially when it comes to realizing the benefits of technology and automation across Chinaâs vast economic landscape. Chinese cyber security leader Qihoo 360 has faced no shortage of criticism for its behavior including backdoors in its web browser and antivirus suite along with a slew of privacy-related breaches.
Link: https://thediplomat.com/2019/09/expanding-cyber-demands-embolden-chinas-homegrown-cybersecurity-darlings/