Online security firms form alliance to boost R&D

Chinese Internet security companies set up an industry alliance on Tuesday, pledging a joint effort to protect data from online thefts.

The organization, named China Cybersecurity Industry Alliance, will provide a nationwide platform for local security providers to jointly develop and exchange technologies. It currently has more than 140 members, including anti-virus companies and research facilities, according to Chen Xingyue, secretary-general of the alliance.

Wang Xiujun, deputy-director of industry watchdog the Cyberspace Administration of China, said that aside from teaming up in research areas, the alliance will also become an advisory body to the government on cybersecurity issues.

"I hope the alliance will provide vital opinions to the government and help China better defend information safety," Wang said.

China aims to address increasing threats to online data as the country grows to become the world's biggest Internet country. China has 670 million netizens and more than 4 million websites as of the third quarter of 2015, according to China Internet Network Information Center.

Wang also said by joining forces, Chinese players will get a bigger say on the global stage.

"The alliance is poised to contribute to areas such as international research and standard settings," Wang said.