China discourages its hackers from foreign competitions so they don’t help others

Chinese security researchers have dominated global hacking competitions in recent years. This year, they were absent from the annual Pwn2Own competition in Vancouver

Yingzhi Yangin Beijing
Chinese security researchers have dominated global hacking competitions in recent years. Photo: SHUTTERSTOCK

China is discouraging its internet security experts from taking part in international hacking competitions because of national security concerns, according to a Beijing-based company that was informed of the decision. 

Beijing Chaitin Technology Co. was told by the Chinese government at the end of last year not to participate in such competitions, according to a representative for the network information security company. Chaitin will “shift our focus to keep perfecting our products and build a more secure cyberspace in China,” the representative said.

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