Investigation results of suspected intrusion into outsourced network system of operator of Kwai Tsing District Health Centre announced
The Primary Healthcare Commission (PHC Commission) under the Health Bureau announced today (May 12) that, upon the investigation conducted by an independent cybersecurity expert commissioned by the Kwai Tsing Safe Community and Healthy City Association (KTSCHCA), the operator of the Kwai Tsing District Health Centre (Kwai Tsing DHC), it has been confirmed that there was no leakage of members' data in thesuspected intrusion incident involving the outsourced network system of the KTSCHCA on April 27.
The outsourced network system concerned, independently managed by the outsourced service provider contracted by the KTSCHCA, is mainly used to assist with administrative work such as service booking or members sign-in at the Kwai Tsing DHC. All members' data in the system are encrypted. The investigation conducted by the independent cybersecurity expert has confirmed that while the firewall of the concerned network system had been hacked, the core business server system remained unaffected, and no members' data was leaked in the incident.
To enhance cybersecurity, the KTSCHCA has implemented a series of strengthening measures, including enhancing firewall protections, as well as installation of a proactive monitoring system and additional detection tools for more robust surveillance of network connections and detection of unauthorised access attempts. The Kwai Tsing DHC has also reported the investigation results to the Police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data while the PHC Commission has also informed the Digital Policy Office.
Furthermore, after reviewing the investigation report submitted by the Kwai Tsing DHC and conducting a detailed assessment, the Commissioner for the Electronic Health Record ascertained that the security risks of the relevant system have been eliminated, and therefore, has resumed the connection of the Kwai Tsing DHC with eHealth through the clinical management system specified by the PHC Commission.
All services at the Kwai Tsing DHC have resumed as normal since last Saturday (May 10), and the Kwai Tsing DHC will notify its members via telephone calls and text messages. Members of the public may contact the DHC at 1878 222 during office hours for enquiries.
The Government reiterates its strong commitment to cybersecurity. The PHC Commission will urge the operators of the remaining 17 DHCs/DHC Expresses to make reference to the enhanced measures adopted by the KTSCHCA and continue to review their network systems, including the security risks in the network systems of their outsourced service providers and the related computers, as well as any occurrence of suspicious activities. The PHC Commission will also continue to monitor the operations of the DHCs/DHC Expresses of all 18 districts in Hong Kong to ensure the continuous provision of safe and reliable services.
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition
The following is issued on behalf of the Committee for Safeguarding National Security of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region:
The Chief Executive announced in the 2024 Policy Address that a thematic exhibition will be held at the National Security Exhibition Gallery to mark the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the Hong Kong National Security Law. The opening ceremony of the thematic exhibition was launched today (June 12) at the Hong Kong Museum of History, and the exhibition is now open to all Hong Kong citizens.
National security is the bedrock of national rejuvenation, and social stability is a prerequisite for building a strong and prosperous China. The overarching principle of "One Country, Two Systems" is to safeguard national security, sovereignty and development interests.
For over 20 years after Hong Kong's return to the motherland, due to the obstruction and interference by anti-China destabilising elements in the city and external forces, the legislative process of Article 23 of the Basic Law had not been completed, presenting significant loopholes in national security. Activities endangering national security, including the illegal "Occupy Central" movement in 2014 and the Mong Kok riots in 2016, continued and evolved into the Hong Kong version of "colour revolution" in 2019, posing a serious threat to national security.
On June 30, 2020, the Central Government took decisive action to turn the tide by enacting the Hong Kong National Security Law. This immediately stopped the violence and curbed disorder, thereby restoring social order and putting Hong Kong back on the right track. On March 19, 2024, the Legislative Council unanimously passed the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, which took effect upon gazettal on March 23, 2024. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government and the Legislative Council have thus accomplished the historic mission of legislating for Article 23 of the Basic Law. The Hong Kong National Security Law achieves convergence, compatibility and complementarity with the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance, thereby strengthening effective legal protection for national security.
The HKSAR Government has consistently been committed to promoting national security education. This thematic exhibition aims to facilitate the public's understanding of and appreciation for the hard-won situation that Hong Kong is now enjoying, and to motivate all to work together to help the city shine on the global stage.
At the opening ceremony of the thematic exhibition, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, who officiated the event, reiterated the three "must-nots" and one "must":
"The first 'must-not' is that we must not forget history. Traditional Chinese wisdom has it that 'history, if not forgotten, can serve as a guide for the future'. We all surely remember the 2019 legislative amendment turmoil, which posed a grave threat to national security and severely undermined the peaceful and stable environment we took for granted.
"The second 'must-not' is that we must not turn a blind eye to reality. Traditional Chinese wisdom teaches us to 'remain vigilant in times of peace'. We must not ignore problems around us. Although Hong Kong society has restored stability and national security, threats are often not immediately visible. It is obvious that hostile states and forces continue to try to suppress our country's development.
"The third 'must-not' is that we must not stand idly by. Chinese culture values action, not just empty words. Since national security is closely related to our individual well-being, naturally we all must take concrete steps and shoulder our responsibilities in safeguarding national security.
"On the foundation of these three 'must-nots', we have one 'must': we must uphold the rule of law in safeguarding national security. This principle is explicitly stated in Article 5 of the Hong Kong National Security Law. A robust legal system has long been the cornerstone of Hong Kong's success. It is the prerequisite for the city to thrive as an international financial, trade, and shipping centre."
Another officiating guest, the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, remarked during the ceremony:
"Safeguarding national sovereignty, security, and development interests is not only a constitutional duty of the HKSAR, but also a fundamental obligation of every citizen.
"We must always remember that the previous chaos left an indelible scar on Hong Kong's history."
He further stated that hostile forces have not given up. Citizens must remain vigilant against the following risks: first, external hostile forces continue to attempt to undermine national security through smears and so-called "sanctions"; second, anti-China destabilising elements in the city who have fled overseas continue to engage in activities and behaviours that threaten national security; third, local terrorism; and fourth, "soft resistance", where individuals with ulterior motives exploit fake news and misinformation to divide society and incite hatred.
"National security has been hard-won. The HKSAR Government will continue to make full use of national security laws and remain steadfast in its duty to protect national security."
The Hong Kong National Security Law has been in effect for five years, marking Hong Kong's transition from chaos to order, and from order to prosperity. The HKSAR Government will continue to enhance publicity and promotional efforts, unite all sectors of society, and break new ground in national security work. It will fully and accurately implement the principle of "one country, two systems", safeguard national sovereignty, security, and development interests, and maintain Hong Kong's long-term prosperity and stability.
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
Committee for Safeguarding National Security of HKSAR launches 5th Anniversary of Promulgation and Implementation of Hong Kong National Security Law Thematic Exhibition Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
