China is rarely considered a bastion of online security, but reputation of its private sector still took another hit this week after it was revealed that Qihoo 360 Technology, the largest Internet security service provider in the country, was accused of stealing the personal data of its extensive customer base.
The National Business Daily, a Chinese newspaper, alleged that the personal information of 400 million users online had been obtained illegally, using a monitoring system of the complex and secret browser. The software, the paper claimed, online transmits the viewing habits of the users to the company's cloud storage servers - not exactly the kind of behavior you expect from an Internet security company.
As if that were not enough, the company has also been accused of attacking his rivals using software updates to uninstall their software from its user systems. In a possible response tit-for-tat, Apple Inc has removed all App Store applications for the business and suspended its development privileges. Qihoo, of course, denies that the application of Apple's abduction is linked to issues of confidentiality.
The company built its impressive client base by offering free security services to online privacy aware of Chinese Internet users, who are often a losing battle against their espionage state . Customers naturally reacted with indignation on hearing the news, with someone complaining of being unable to use a different browser after installing the free option of Qihoo 360. Such tactics are perhaps not surprising, given that Qihoo is currently experiencing high profile squabbling with rival companies.
The company has tried to brush the allegations, saying they are based on the accounts of "anonymous industry insiders" and blaming rumors by competitors. They also offered some explanation little doubt that the data was collected using in its anti-virus efforts for the benefit of its users.
If you are concerned about the questionable practices of online security agencies are trying to use a reliable VPN service to give your system an extra layer of protection. using a VPN service, it is more difficult for data thieves to access your private information and help alleviate your worries of online privacy.
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