China domestic firms barred from using US, Israeli cybersecurity software amid ‘security concerns’: Report

Chinese authorities have issued a directive to domestic companies to cease using certain cybersecurity software produced by US and Israeli firms in a move driven by national security concerns.

Reuters carried the report on Wednesday, saying the measure aimed to protect sensitive data from potentially being transmitted abroad.

Sources familiar with the matter, who spoke on condition of anonymity, revealed that the notice was issued in recent days and affects software produced by a range of foreign companies.

The directive specifically bans cybersecurity software from several foreign firms, including US companies VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, as well as Israeli firm Check Point Software Technologies.

While the exact number of affected companies remains unclear, the decision impacts firms across various sectors operating within China.

According to the sources, Chinese authorities are concerned that the software could potentially collect and transmit confidential data overseas, raising fears about foreign access to sensitive information.

This latest decision is part of China's broader strategy to reduce reliance on foreign technology and bolster its domestic alternatives in critical sectors, including cybersecurity.

While China’s efforts to secure domestic capabilities have largely focused on industries like semiconductors and artificial intelligence (AI), the new move frames cybersecurity software as part of that larger strategic push.

Chinese analysts have noted that growing concerns about the vulnerability of Western technology to foreign hacking have further intensified Beijing’s drive for self-reliance in tech.

Observers say the move also aligns with a wider trend of China seeking to insulate its critical systems from foreign interference and potential threats.

This is not the first time China has taken steps to remove foreign technology from sensitive government and business sectors.

In 2014, Chinese media reported that the government had initiated a phased removal of Microsoft Windows from government computers, citing similar security concerns. That policy shift also extended to state-owned enterprises, signaling China’s early recognition of the risks posed by foreign software in critical systems.

In addition, China had previously banned Windows 8 in 2014 for similar reasons, reinforcing the importance of domestic software alternatives as part of its long-term cybersecurity strategy.

The latest development also comes amid a broader backdrop of growing US-China rivalry, with both countries engaged in intense competition across multiple fronts, including technology, trade, and geopolitical influence.

Washington’s efforts to counter China’s expanding role in global economic, energy, and technological domains have seen it impose unprecedented tariffs on Chinese imports.

Most recently, the US also invaded Venezuela and kidnapped its president before asking American firms to exploit the immense oil reserves in the Latin American country, which serves as China’s biggest source of crude.

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