China's largest security software provider Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd on Wednesday signed a strategic partnership with Beijing–based Beihang University, as part of its larger efforts to tap into the national cybersecurity sector.

Under the partnership, the company will work with Beihang University, one of China's top science and technology institutes, to cooperate in basic research on cybersecurity applications, cybersecurity talent cultivation and the construction of related subjects, as the rising concern over national security calls for deeper cooperation between governments, enterprises and institutes.

The two sides will focus on researching and solving strategic and fundamental topics the country badly needs and will jointly form high-level professional research and development teams. Also, they will work in several fields, including blockchain technology, artificial intelligence security, big data security and internet of things security.

Qi Xiangdong, chairman of 360 Business Security Group, an internet company affiliated with Qihoo 360, said the key for cybersecurity technology innovation is big data capability, talents and integrated military and civilian development.

"In terms of the three aspects, we will provide strong support to Beihang University, continuously promoting the construction of the first-class disciplines of cybersecurity and promoting the strategic integration of military and civilian development,"Qi added.

Qihoo 360 and Beihang also will co-construct the Joint Lab of Intelligent Security, military and civilian integration big data analysis and application research center, and cybersecurity monitoring and warning Beihang center.

In recent years, a surge of internet attacks across the world has highlighted the role of cybersecurity. In May last year, the WannaCry ransomware virus reportedly affected hundreds of thousands of computers in more than 150 countries and regions, including China.

The bug wreaked havoc on about 30,000 institutions, such as universities, hospitals and research centers, as well as gas stations.

With threats like this on the horizon, Zhou Hongyi, CEO of Qihoo 360 Technology Co Ltd, believes we are entering the age of "big security."

"After years of development, society and the internet have become extremely close. Today, the internet actually breaks the boundaries between the physical world and the virtual network," Zhou said.

"So, cybersecurity is not only related to the internet but involves national security, social security, infrastructure security and even personal safety. That is why we are now entering the new big security age," he said.

A better reaction mechanism is needed to contain an online virus.

Last year, China released an emergency response plan for cybersecurity incidents to prevent and reduce the damage of an attack on public services and national security. Incidents were divided into six categories and four levels of threats, from "general" to "extremely serious".