China Orders Companies to Drop US and ‘Israeli’ Cybersecurity Software Over Security Concerns

Chinese authorities have instructed domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software produced by around a dozen US and ‘Israeli’ firms, citing national security risks, according to sources familiar with the matter. The directive reflects growing concerns in Beijing over the potential exposure of sensitive data through foreign-made digital infrastructure.

Among the affected companies are US firms Broadcom-owned VMware, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet, as well as ‘Israel’’s Check Point Software Technologies, the sources said. Chinese officials are particularly worried that such software could allow the collection of sensitive information and its transmission to servers located outside the country, potentially putting critical data beyond China’s control.