China Orders Removal of US and Israeli Cybersecurity Software Citing National Security

In a report by Inside China Business (@Inside_China_Business), the Chinese government has issued a directive banning cybersecurity software from several prominent US and Israeli companies. The order, citing national security and intelligence concerns, specifically targets products from firms including Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Check Point, and CyberArk. All companies and government institutions in mainland China have been instructed to identify and remove these software products from their systems, with a replacement deadline set for the end of June.

The directive expresses concern that data processed by these foreign security platforms could be compromised, pointing to the founders and executives of the banned companies having former ties to Israeli military intelligence units, such as the renowned Unit 8200. The report notes that these firms also hold contracts with various US government agencies, including the Department of Defence, and allied militaries, heightening perceived espionage risks.

This move marks a significant step in the ongoing technological decoupling between China and the West, particularly in the critical sector of cybersecurity. It compels domestic organisations to rapidly find alternatives, potentially boosting local Chinese software providers while impacting the operations and revenue of the affected global cybersecurity giants in one of the world's largest markets.

Source: China bans security software from the US and Israel (Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TGXM1h4KF_Q)