Hong Kong government to hold first joint cybersecurity drill among departments, organisations

The Hong Kong government will hold its first joint cyberattack and defence drill among various departments and public organisations to deal with rising cybersecurity risks.

Cybersecurity officials told the Legislative Council on Monday authorities would hold an annual online security drill among government departments, with the first set to take place in November.

They also revealed that the number of technology related crimes had risen significantly in 2023, the most common of which was unauthorised access to online services.

Hong Kong is facing mounting cybersecurity challenges, according to Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Lillian Cheong Man-lei, who highlighted the issue at a Legislative Council information technology and broadcasting panel meeting.

“Information technology is widely used and there is a heavy reliance on computers, mobile devices and the internet among enterprises and individuals,” she said.

“This poses ever rising information and internet security risks.”