Beijing: Stop using US and Israeli cybersecurity software

Chinese authorities have ordered domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software from around a dozen U.S. and Israeli firms, including Broadcom, Palo Alto Networks, and Check Point, due to national security concerns.

Beijing aims to swap Western technology for domestic alternatives amid rising trade tensions. Authorities fear that such software could compromise, collect and transmit confidential information; effectively acting as spyware.

Shares of affected companies fell in premarket trading. Despite requests for comments, neither Chinese regulators nor the companies have responded.

China has long been wary of foreign equipment and attempts to enhance its cybersecurity capabilities with local vendors, such as 360 Security Technology and Neusoft.