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The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), in collaboration with the Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Hong Kong Police Force, launched the Tram Promotion titled “Together, We Create a Safe Cyberworld” at the Whitty Street Tram Depot. This initiative, aligned with China Cybersecurity Week, is designed to raise public awareness and adaptability to cybersecurity challenges. As part of the campaign, three trams, featuring designs from the “Together, We Create a Safe Cyberworld” tram body design contest, will tour Hong Kong Island, encouraging all sectors of society to strengthen their cybersecurity practices.
With the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies and their wide-ranging applications, cybersecurity risks have come into sharper focus. Data provided by HKCERT reveals a concerning trend: the number of single cybersecurity incidents in Hong Kong reached 3,058 cases in the second quarter of this year, reflecting a 27% increase compared to the previous quarter. Phishing attacks accounted for nearly 60% of these incidents, surpassing other prevalent threats like malware (7%) and botnets (23%).
Cybercriminals are increasingly using sophisticated methods that go beyond traditional email and text message scams. For instance, they now exploit AI-driven deepfake technology to create realistic fake videos and impersonate identities. Some hackers also establish fake brand pages on social media platforms to deceive victims, leading to incidents of financial fraud.
AI’s “weaponisation” has become one of the top cybersecurity risks in 2024. AI technology is being used to lower the technical barriers to hacking, allowing cybercriminals to harness generative AI tools to produce malicious code. This development has made it easier for hackers to launch large-scale cyberattacks. Additionally, AI is being utilised to create fraudulent data that can compromise the integrity of other AI systems, potentially crippling cybersecurity defences. The convergence of AI and cybercrime highlights the growing need for robust cybersecurity measures to counteract these evolving threats.
HKCERT has observed a trend where cybercrime is becoming more organised, with attacks increasingly targeting smart devices and exploiting vulnerabilities in third-party services. To combat these challenges, HKCERT has introduced new cybersecurity risk alerts, utilising AI to analyse and assess trends related to phishing, malware, and botnet attacks that target Hong Kong. These alerts aim to inform the public about potential threats while offering preventive measures to enhance cybersecurity readiness.
At the launch event, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry underscored the rising threat of cyberattacks and the sophisticated techniques scammers now use to deceive the public. He emphasised that it is crucial for individuals to be vigilant in safeguarding their personal information to prevent financial losses. The HKSAR Government has been actively working with various professional bodies and industry stakeholders to organise activities that enhance cybersecurity awareness. These collective efforts aim to foster a secure online environment for all.
The Deputy Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), highlighted HKCERT’s ongoing collaboration with the HKSAR Government to boost public awareness and resilience against cybersecurity incidents. He mentioned that this is achieved through a variety of initiatives, including the provision of incident response services, practical guidelines, and public education campaigns. These efforts are intended to remind both industry and the public of the importance of reinforcing cybersecurity measures to protect information systems and data from cyberattacks and fraudulent activities.
To further engage the public, a promotional contest is running until 14 September 2024, offering Hong Kong residents a chance to win supermarket vouchers. Participants are required to like the HKCERT Facebook page and locate promotional codes displayed on Cybersecurity Week advertisement billboards at various tram stops. This interactive approach aims to increase public participation and awareness of cybersecurity issues.
