Cyber security, a once-neglected field, is now fast becoming a new front for companies and countries. Industry professionals from around the world have weighed in on the possibilities at the first China Internet Security Conference.

The mobile age brings new security challenges.

Users now face malicious hackers and spammers, or could unknowingly download malware, all of which put online privacy and data at risk.

While no one can be absolutely secure in cyber space, professionals are trying to make it a better place.

"The challenges are unprecedented. We are beefing up protection in three aspects: data center, data transmission and terminal. We have a range of products on preventing and detecting loopholes and storing data," said Wang Lijin, inspector general of Beijing Safe Code Technology Company, Ltd.

China's online population is fast approaching 600 million. Last year, internet transactions were worth more than $134 trillion.

Also on the rise is internet crime, with criminals taking advantage of a very vulnerable online economy.

With online population growing, China is facing an uphill battle on cyber security. Online fraud and cyber espionage are major threats. Participants at the meeting are calling for upgrades in technology and law to offer protection for users and their data.

The recent Edward Snowden revelations are also raising the urgency for companies to work out new systems to prevent further attacks.

The former National Security Agency contractor revealed that the U.S. has been tapping into China's mobile and online data.

Li Tao from internet security company Qihoo 360 says enquries from the private sector are up.

"Our products used to target individual users. After Snowden, we've developed a Bring -Your-Own-Device program, targeting commercial mobile application. We hope our programs can be a safety solution for companies and government organizations," said Li Tao, vice president of Qihoo 360.

Participants expressed optimism in regulating the Internet. But they also acknowledge that their efforts today could only be a start to address a long-term challenge.

(CNTV.cn September 24, 2013)