Hong Kong Police Conducts Joint Cyber and Terrorism Exercise to Enhance Response Capabilities

2024-09-21 17:02 Last Updated At：17:18

Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 successfully concludes

The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force held the Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 codenamed BATTLEAIR in collaboration with the INTERPOL and the Macao Judiciary Police today (September 21) to enhance participants’ capabilities in responding to cyber attacks and physical counter terrorism.

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Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

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Counter Cyber and Physical Terrorism Joint Exercise 2024 successfully concludes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

This was Phase II of the exercise, which built on the successful completion of Phase I tabletop exercise conducted last month (August 14) and put in place its outcome in this physical exercise today.

More than 230 local, Macao and overseas members from the INTERPOL, the Macao Judiciary Police, CSTCB, Airport District (APTDIST), Emergency Unit of New Territories South (EU NTS), Explosive Ordnance Disposal Bureau, Police Tactical Unit, Airport Authority Hong Kong and Aviation Security Company Limited participated in the physical exercise.

The exercise simulated a scenario in which four terrorists launched cyber attacks against Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) and Companhia de Electricidade de Macau with the aim to paralyse public services and cause public panic. During the exercise, terrorists not only placed suspicious items and operated drones to create chaos but also attempted to carry out armed attacks on members of the public.

In response to the terrorist plot, APTDIST and EU NTS acted quickly to stop and apprehend the three terrorists. Regarding cyber security, CSTCB officers conducted incident response, digital forensics works and system recovery to address the hacking into the computer systems of HKIA. They also shared intelligence with the INTERPOL and the Macao Judiciary Police, which ultimately led to the successful arrest of other fleeing terrorists in Macao by the Macao Judiciary Police.

Representatives of KPMG Advisory (Hong Kong) Limited were invited for the first time to provide valuable insights and participate in the exercise as a member of the Cyber Security Action Task Force, fostering collaboration between public and private organisations.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Siu Chak-yee, and the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Operations), Mr Chow Yat-ming also attended and monitored the exercise. The Force hoped that this exercise could strengthen the capabilities of participants in responding to cyber attacks and physical counter terrorism, as well as foster the communication between management agencies of critical infrastructures and the Force and enhance the efficiency of the workflow when handling terrorist attacks, in order to prevent incidents before they occur and to respond swiftly together when necessary.

Motorcyclist Dies After Crash with Fallen Branch in Tai Po; Highways Department Expresses Sympathy.

Traffic accident in Tai Po

The Highways Department (HyD) received a report at around 11pm last night (May 16) that a broken tree branch had fallen onto Yuen Sin Road towards Tolo Highway in Tai Po, and an accident had happened with a motorcyclist travelling along the road crashing into the fallen branch. The motorcyclist was confirmed deceased after being sent to the hospital. The HyD is saddened by the incident and expresses its deepest sympathy to the family of the deceased.

Upon receipt of the report, the HyD immediately conducted a site inspection confirming that the tree involved was an Acacia tree under its purview, and the broken branch was approximately 8 metres long with a diameter of about 0.15 metres. Based on preliminary assessment, it is believed that the branch suddenly fractured at a position with internal decay due to rain and gusting winds. The exact cause of the branch failure is subject to further detailed inspection.

The HyD's contractor previously conducted pre-wet season routine inspections in early March and mid-April 2026, and the tree concerned was assessed as being in fair condition with no abnormalities observed. The HyD will finish inspecting all trees on the slope involved and on nearby slopes today (May 17). Should any problematic trees be identified, removal will be arranged immediately to ensure public safety.

Hong Kong Police Conducts Joint Cyber and Terrorism Exercise to Enhance Response Capabilities

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