Cybersecurity Firms React to China’s Reported Software Ban

China has more than 5,000 cybersecurity companies, according to Natto Thoughts, with a recent Reuters report naming more than a dozen firms targeted by a directive to stop using US and Israeli software. According to Reuters, the list included CrowdStrike, Palo Alto Networks, Fortinet, Wiz, Check Point, Broadcom (VMware), SentinelOne, Recorded Future, Claroty, McAfee, Rapid7, Google (Mandiant), Orca, CyberArk, Imperva, and Cato Networks.

It’s unclear how many Chinese companies received the order banning American and Israeli security software. SecurityWeek reached out to a majority of the named firms; CrowdStrike said it does not operate in China and could be negligibly affected, while Recorded Future and SentinelOne stated they have no direct revenue exposure to China.

Check Point noted they had not received government notification nor were they aware of any restriction on operations in China, and McAfee emphasised that its products are for consumers and that they monitor regulatory developments worldwide. The article also notes that the top 20 Chinese cybersecurity firms are reported to have links to the government, and that the sector faced profit pressures leading to staff cuts. 16 January 2026.