Xiao Xinguang, chief technology architect of Antiy Labs [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

To enhance cyber security, a capable technical team is as important as the top-down resolution. Antiy Labs, an internet security firm dedicated to the development of anti-virus engines and solutions has also been called on to play a part.

Despite being in the private sector, its chief technology architect Xiao Xinguang was given the chance to attend the April 19 Symposium and deliver a report to President Xi.

Xiao said he agreed with Xi that "the nature of cyber security is confrontation, and the nature of confrontation is the struggle between the offensive and defensive ends."

"Without advanced defensive technologies, to guard against cyberattacks is like making bricks without straw. Only with powerful technologies could a country detect the menace and launch defense accordingly," said Xiao, explaining how technological advancement was essential to ensure cyber security.

According to him, the speech made by President Xi a year ago has promoted Antiy to seek breakthroughs in core technology. Last year, the company has deepened continuously in APT related research, he said.

Also at the symposium, President Xi encouraged enterprises in the cyber security sector to enhance the sharing of information, coordination of resources and work, signaling that unnecessary internal strife in China's internet industry caused waste.

Antiy took Xi's requirement into consideration and started to share analysis reports with other cyber security companies, a move that could save costs and improve efficiency.

"Although the deal is based on a simple protocol regarding intellectual property rights, it marks the first step forward in effective cooperation between internet security firms," he said.

The cooperation showed how high-tech firms in the private sector could cooperate for the greater good of the country's cyber security. In fact, President Xi formally recognized the contribution made by Antiy, among other private firms.

"You are also on the national team, although you are privately run," he told the company.

In the eyes of cyber security engineers like Xiao, threat models change daily, thus calling for ever-developing core technologies.

We are dedicated to serving the country's requirement for sound cyber security, said Xiao, recalling President Xi's remark that "Move forward, or you'll fall behind. Move forward fast enough, or you'll also fall behind."