Beijing's digital Great Wall expands

19-Jan-2026

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Chinese authorities have instructed domestic companies to stop using cybersecurity software from the United States and Israel due to national security concerns. 

According to a Reuters report, this move affects several US-based cyber firms, including VMware (owned by Broadcom), Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, CrowdStrike, SentinelOne, Mandiant, and Rapid7, as well as Israel’s Check Point Software technology.

China’s amended Cybersecurity Law (CSL) came into effect on January 1, marking a major shift in the country’s approach to foreign technology. 

By significantly increasing fines and removing the requirement for initial warnings, authorities have created a high-stakes environment where using unauthorised foreign software is no longer a technical choice, but a massive financial and legal liability.