

Between Two Nerds: The opportunity in Asia
Jul 7, 2025
Tom Uren and The Grugq delve into the unequal 0day acquisition strategies between the U.S. and China, discussing national security implications. They emphasize the need for the U.S. to revamp its cybersecurity tactics to combat outdated systems. The contrast in educational pathways for hacking talent reveals China’s structured approach versus the ambiguous routes in the U.S. Additionally, they navigate international sanctions and the intricate geopolitics of the South China Sea, highlighting the necessity for effective policies and secure domestic systems.
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Legacy US vs Agile China System
- US exploit acquisition is a legacy system not suited to modern cyber conflict.
- China’s system is more agile, reflecting their operational culture and scale.
US Exploit Acquisition Limits Talent
- The US exploit acquisition is like an old boys club limiting talent and exploits.
- China's larger, structured programs and broader recruiting make their model more effective.
Zero-Day Burning Limits Debated
- Burning zero-days to deny adversaries may not reduce their arsenal.
- China uses older vulnerabilities (N-days) effectively despite patches.