Tackling upgrades in cybercrime, professionals advocate for a digital cybersecurity system

Hong Kong Wen Wei Po

Amid the global wave of digitalization, cybersecurity has become a cornerstone for national security and economic development. The HKCNSA Symposium 2025, organized by the Hong Kong China Network Security Association (HKCNSA), was held yesterday. With the theme ‘Navigating Challenges and Opportunities at the Crossroads of Innovation and Regulation’, the forum gathered over 500 representatives from the government, industry, and academia. They engaged in in-depth discussions revolving around new trends in cybercrime with the age of AI and the protection of critical infrastructure, offering insights to build a more resilient digital security system. Participants believe that, as innovative technologies advance rapidly, Hong Kong has to establish a comprehensive and resilient digital security framework to counter increasingly sophisticated cybercrime. 

Deputy Commissioner for Digital Infrastructure at the Digital Policy Office, Mr. Daniel Cheung, said in a written interview that the HKSAR Government continues to improve policies and standards to strengthen the information systems and data security of government and public institutions. He noted that departments are guided to enhance project governance, cybersecurity protection, and accountability for their IT systems, to safeguard information systems and data more effectively. The government also actively promotes cybersecurity awareness education and fosters cross-regional cooperation and information security efforts across society. 

Digital Office to launch Cybersecurity Service Provider Linkage Program this year 

Cheung added that the Digital Office has been working closely with the industry to coordinate cybersecurity promotion initiatives, supporting all sectors of society in addressing risks. Measures include free website security checks for SMEs, employee training platforms, and operational manuals such as the Policy Statement on Facilitating Data Flow and Safeguarding Data Security in Hong Kong. The office has also introduced the “Cybersec One” program and will launch a new “Cybersecurity Service Provider Connect Program” in the second half of this year (2025) to mobilize the community, strengthening SME support, and fostering the development of Hong Kong’s cybersecurity ecosystem. 

Chief Superintendent of the Cybersecurity and Technology Crime Bureau, Mr. Raymond Lam, said in a written interview that the ability of AI technologies to generate malicious code, automate phishing attacks, and produce deepfakes has significantly lowered the threshold for committing crimes. As a key line of defense, the police are responding through multiple approaches simultaneously, including international cooperation, resilience building, legal measures, and public education. 

For international cooperation, the Hong Kong police share intelligence via Interpol and conduct joint cross-border enforcement actions. To strengthen resilience, they organize interdepartmental exercises, training, and seminars to promote public-private collaboration and foster a proactive security culture. On the legal front, the Subcommittee on Cybercrime conducts research and proposes legal reforms to combat emerging cybercrimes. In public education, the Bureau has launched the “Scamster” app and a series of online and physical activities to raise public cybersecurity awareness. 

“In the context of rapid technological innovation and increasi ngly severe cyber threats, Hong Kong needs to build a more resilient digital security system,” said Founding Chairman of HKCNSA, David Ip, in his welcome speech. He added that the Association will deepen cooperation within the Guangdong–Hong Kong–Macau Greater Bay Area, leverage its strengths, and contribute to safeguarding the nation’s digital economy. 

Source of Information  

This content is sourced from Wen Wei Po.

Original article link: https://www.tkww.hk/epaper/view/newsDetail/1938284541693267968.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.