As cybersecurity concerns rise throughout the city of Hong Kong, Government representatives have stated that they are working to reduce (and eventually eliminate) the threat of cybersecurity.
According to a recent press release, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Innovation and Technology noted that in the past year, there has been an upward trend in global information security incidents, and similar situations have occurred in Hong Kong.
According to the report of the Hong Kong Computer Security Incident Co-ordination Centre, a total of about 10,000 security incident reports were received in 2008, an increase of about 55% over the year of 2017. The number of technology crimes in the Hong Kong Police Force has reached over 7,800. Zong, about 40% higher than in 2017.
The Secretary noted that the HKSAR Government is taking the situation very seriously and is concerned about the issue of network security.
In the past year, apart from the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (UNOG), the Police Force and the Hong Kong Computer Security Incident Co-ordination Centre, most Governmental agencies have implemented consistent measures, including actively promoting the importance of promoting cybersecurity to various trades.
Moreover, members of the agencies have been trained in and provided with accurate and effective information on security risk management, proper handling, as well as the protection of customers’ personal data.
Seminars and workshops have also been held and promotional videos, special pages and events have been produced to enhance the ability of citizens, teachers and students to defend themselves against cyberattacks.
In addition, the Office launched the Cyber Security Information Sharing Partner Pilot Program last year (2018) to promote cross-industry collaboration and cybersecurity information sharing. In just three months, more than 100 institutions have joined.
Furthermore, the Secretary noted that the Government has expanded the scope and funding of the Technology Voucher Scheme to further help organizations reduce the risk of cybersecurity.
In terms of human resources, the Government actively encourages tertiary institutions to add more information security courses in IT-related subjects. Through the Technology Talent Entry Scheme and the Hong Kong Talent List, the Government has attracted and imported more technical talents including cybersecurity professionals to come to Hong Kong.
Within the Government, the Secretary noted that the aim remains; officials will continue to implement a series of measures, including strict compliance with information security policies and guidelines, and regular review by the Office of the Intellectual Property Office to provide security alerts on computer systems and software vulnerabilities, conduct cross-departmental cybersecurity exercises and strengthen Civil servant training to improve the knowledge of government personnel against cyberattacks.
Cybersecurity has become one of the most important security issues in the world, and it is also a problem that Hong Kong must continue to pay attention to. The Government will continue to strive to enhance the safety of the community and protect personal privacy.
It will also provide appropriate professional support to local enterprises to provide a safe and secure network environment for the community.