Data leak involving Chinese firm spotlights hacking-for-hire practices

In 2018, China barred its hackers from participating in overseas contests such as the prestigious Pwn2Own, where contestants uncover computer bugs for bounty, cutting off a significant stream of their income. Speaking in support of the government’s ban then, billionaire tech tycoon Zhou Hongyi argued that knowledge of software vulnerabilities are a strategic resource that “should stay in China”. With its sights set on becoming a cyber powerhouse as national security becomes top priority, Beijing has been systematically cultivating talent while also tapping private companies to serve its growing surveillance needs. A rare document leak recently has provided a glimpse into the maturity of this ecosystem that has evolved to cater to Beijing’s enlarging intelligence appetite. -

i-Soon is one of many private cyber security firms competing for government and private contracts in China.

PHOTO: BUSHIDOTOKEN/X

Lim Min Zhang

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BEIJING – Beijing has been systematically cultivating talent while also tapping private companies to serve its growing digital surveillance needs, as it sets its sights on becoming a cyber powerhouse.

China has been building its National Cybersecurity Talent and Innovation Base in Wuhan since 2017, and bolstered partnerships between schools and security agencies to develop talent and increase hiring.

Data leak involving Chinese firm spotlights hacking-for-hire practices

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