Expanding our Managed Security Services in the dynamic Chinese market

In recent years, China has witnessed a remarkable digital transformation, with businesses and individuals increasingly relying on technology and the Internet for their daily operations and communication. However, this rapid digitalization has also brought about unprecedented cybersecurity challenges. As cyber threats become more sophisticated and prevalent, the need for robust security measures has never been greater. This has led to significant business opportunities for Security Services Providers (MSSPs).

Seeing the growing demand for security services, Orange Cyberdefense entered the Chinese market in 2018 to provide managed security services for multinational companies in China. In the past five years, Orange Cyberdefense China has continued to expand the business, build stronger relationships with more customers, and help customers comply with China's security laws.

This essay gains insights from Ms. Sally Wang, the country manager of Orange Cyberdefense China, to explore the potential of MSSPs in the Chinese market, highlighting their significance and benefits for businesses and organizations. Meanwhile, Ms. Wang elaborates on the importance of security compliance and data decoupling in China, emphasizing their significance in safeguarding sensitive information.

The Chinese market has become a leader in the global market, with businesses of all sizes and sectors experiencing exponential growth. With this growth comes an increased risk of cyber-attacks, data breaches, and other malicious activities.

“The Chinese government has recognized the importance of cybersecurity and implemented various measures to safeguard the country's digital landscape. As a result, businesses operating in China face stringent regulations and compliance requirements. This scenario creates a favorable environment for MSS providers to offer our expertise and solutions to navigate the complex cybersecurity landscape,” said Ms. Wang.

According to Ms. Wang, the Chinese market presents immense potential for Managed Security Services due to several factors. Firstly, the country's vast digital infrastructure and interconnected networks provide fertile ground for cybercriminals, necessitating strong security measures.

Secondly, the Chinese government's focus on cybersecurity and compliance mandates has created a demand for specialized security services. Organizations must comply with regulations such as the Cybersecurity Law, making MSS providers invaluable partners in maintaining compliance and avoiding penalties.

Moreover, the growing adoption of cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), and big data analytics in China further amplifies the need for MSS. These technologies bring numerous benefits but also increase the attack surface and introduce new vulnerabilities. MSS providers can help organizations secure their cloud environments, protect IoT devices, and monitor and analyze vast amounts of data for potential threats.

Ms. Wang is very confident in the great potential of MSS in the Chinese market. “By leveraging our expertise, state-of-the-art technologies, and round-the-clock monitoring capabilities, we can protect businesses from emerging cyber threats and mitigate potential risks. We act as strategic partners, working closely with organizations to design and implement robust security frameworks tailored to their specific needs,” said Ms. Wang.

Partnering with MSS providers offers several benefits for businesses in the Chinese market. Firstly, it allows organizations to tap into the expertise of dedicated security professionals who possess deep knowledge and experience in dealing with evolving cyber threats. MSS providers stay up to date with the latest security trends, tools, and techniques, providing continuous protection against emerging risks.

Additionally, MSS providers offer cost-effective solutions for businesses, eliminating the need for building and maintaining an in-house security infrastructure and team. This is especially beneficial for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that may lack the resources and budget to establish a comprehensive security framework.

“As China continues its digital transformation, the importance of robust cybersecurity cannot be overstated. Managed Security Services have the potential to address the complex cybersecurity challenges faced by businesses in the Chinese market. By partnering with MSS providers, organizations can enhance their security posture, achieve regulatory compliance, and focus on their core business objectives. Embracing MSS is not only a prudent strategy to protect sensitive data and digital assets but also an investment in the long-term success and sustainability of businesses operating in China's dynamic and increasingly interconnected digital landscape,” said Ms. Wang.

In the era of rapid digitalization, data has become an asset for businesses and governments alike. However, this abundance of data also brings forth concerns regarding security, privacy, and compliance. In China, where data protection regulations are evolving and becoming increasingly stringent, ensuring security compliance and implementing data decoupling measures have emerged as critical imperatives.

China has recognized the importance of data protection and privacy in the digital age, leading to the introduction of robust regulations and frameworks. The Cybersecurity Law, implemented in 2017, sets forth guidelines for data protection, cross-border data transfers, and network security. Additionally, other regulations, such as the Personal Information Protection Law (PIPL) and the Data Security Law (DSL), have been enacted to strengthen the legal framework surrounding data privacy and security.

“Compliance with these regulations is vital for businesses operating in China to maintain trust, mitigate risks, and avoid penalties. In the past years, we’ve gained the know-how and expertise in enhancing security compliance and data decoupling in China. We’re multinational companies’ trustworthy partner. By aligning with relevant regulations, organizations can avoid penalties, legal disputes, and potential disruptions to their operations. Moreover, these practices position businesses to capitalize on opportunities in the Chinese market, where a robust data protection framework is crucial for building trust and attracting customers. From this perspective, we’re international customers’ trustworthy partner in China,” said Ms. Wang.

Orange Cyberdefense has demonstrated its strong commitment to the China market. “I am a witness to OCD’s development journey in China,” said Ms. Wang. “Back in 2018, I was OCD China’s first employee and helped set up the office in Shanghai. Nowadays, we have built up a highly skilled team in China, and our CyberSOC is one of Orange Cyberdefense’s 14 CyberSOCs around the world. We provide customers with efficient cybersecurity threat analysis and 24/7 fast response services.”

In January 2022, OCD China moved to a new office. The new CyberSOC was built with much higher security standards. The company plans to send experts from headquarters to China to train local security analysts. Meanwhile, the analysts in China will also receive training at the headquarters. “This is aimed at building a strong technical team to ensure consistent international delivery standards,” said Ms. Wang.

In June 2023, Leif Gyllenberg, the Executive Vice President in charge of Nordics and China, led the management team on a trip to China, where they met customers, partners, and employees. “We’re very confident in the growing opportunities in the China market, and we value the China market so much. We continue to deliver cybersecurity services in China. We continue to help international clients stay secure and comply with China's Cyber Security Law,” said Leif after he finished his China trip.