Police-Community Collaboration Raising Public Cybersecurity Awareness Hong Kong

Wen Wei Po (Reporter Ling Han)

Hong Kong is dedicated to developing into a global innovation and technology hub, actively advancing digitalization across various sectors. However, technology-related crimes, especially those targeting electronic payments and data privacy, are on the rise. 

 Government officials, police cybercrime unit officers, and leaders of civil cybersecurity organizations all noted that online fraud tactics are constantly evolving. Citizens will need to strengthen their protection awareness and report any suspicious online messages. Society must also increase publicity efforts to raise public cybersecurity awareness. 

Yesterday, the Hong Kong China Network Security Association (HKCNSA) held its first anniversary celebration. Founding Chairman Mr. David Ip told Wen Wei Po that the upgrading of phishing techniques and insufficient awareness amongst citizens and enterprises are the main reasons for the frequent occurrence of technology crimes. He expressed the will to connect cybersecurity experts from the Mainland, Hong Kong, and Macau via the association, integrate resources from all sectors of society, support the HKSAR Government in reinforcing cybersecurity defenses, and enhance publicity and education to raise the public’s awareness and capacity for cyber protection. 

Mr. Peter Yan, Director General of the Office for Attracting Strategic Enterprises, said that since the office was established in December 2022, it has introduced 67 key enterprises in three batches up to November this year (2024). More than 36% of those focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and data science, including two major industry players that specialize in cutting-edge cybersecurity research. He believes these corporates will stimulate more active technical exchanges and strengthen Hong Kong’s capabilities in data security, cybersecurity, and AI recognition, hence building a more robust data protection system. 

Raymond Lam, Chief Superintendent of the Police Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau, emphasized that with the ever-changing fraud tactics, citizens should adopt a “zero trust” attitude and carefully verify authenticity before proceeding with any online activity. 

He called on enterprises and individuals to implement basic protective measures, such as password protection, installing antivirus software, and firewalls. He also recommended the Bureau’s Scamster app, which allows users to report suspicious messages. After analysis, these reports are added to a database to achieve city-scale protection. Currently, the app has already surpassed one million users. 

Ms. Candy Chan, Assistant Commissioner of the Digital Policy Office, said that the Digital Policy Office has been working closely with the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, the Cybercrime Bureau, and the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation. Support provided includes issuing cybersecurity incident alerts and security advice to industries and the public, offering free website inspection services for SMEs, establishing a cybersecurity staff training platform, and organizing seminars and information security talks. The aim is to enhance the ability and awareness of enterprises and citizens to respond to cyberattacks. 

 Source of Information  

This content is sourced from Wen Wei Po.

Original article link: https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1864737882846138368.html

The above is translated based on the original article. If any part is inconsistent with the original meaning or requires amendment, please contact the Association.