China is rarely thought of as a bastion of online security, but its private sector’s reputation took yet another hit this week after it was revealed that Qihoo 360 Technology, the country’s largest internet security service provider, had been accused of stealing the personal data of its vast customer base.
The National Business Daily, a Chinese newspaper, alleged that personal information of 400 million online users had been illegally obtained, using a complex and secretive browser tracking system. The software, the paper claimed, transmits users' online viewing habits to the company’s cloud storage servers - not exactly the type of behaviour that you expect from an internet security firm.
As if that wasn't enough, the company has also been accused of attacking its rivals by using software updates to uninstall their software from its user’s systems. In a possible tit-for-tat response, Apple Inc has already removed all of the company’s App Store applications and suspended its developer privileges. Qihoo, of course, denies that Apple's app removal is related to privacy issues.
The company built its impressive customer base by offering free online security services to privacy conscious Chinese web users, who often find themselves fighting a losing battle against their snooping state. Customers have understandably reacted with outrage on hearing the news, with one individual complaining that he was unable to use any other browser after installing the free Qihoo 360 option. Such tactics are perhaps unsurprising given that Qihoo is currently embroiled in high-profile bickering with rival firms.
The company has attempted to brush off the allegations, claiming that they are based on the accounts of “anonymous industry insiders” and blaming rumour-mongering by competitors. They have also offered the somewhat dubious explanation that the data was being harvested to aid in its anti-virus efforts for the benefit of its users.
If you’re concerned about the questionable practices of online security agencies, try using a reliable VPN service to give your system an added layer of protection. Using a VPN service makes it more difficult for would-be data thieves to access your private information and helping to ease your online privacy worries.
