Registration Open for BugHunting Campaign 2025 to Boost SMEs' Cybersecurity in Hong Kong

BugHunting Campaign 2025 opens for applications

Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Police Force, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, and Cyberbay, a local crowdsourced cybersecurity company, the BugHunting Campaign 2025 is officially open for registration for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) starting today (June 9).

Launched in 2023, the BugHunting Campaign aims to assist resource-limited SMEs in enhancing their cybersecurity protection and strengthen Hong Kong’s overall cybersecurity. The campaign this year will run from July to August.

As artificial intelligence (AI) technology rapidly integrates into various business operations, enterprises enjoying greater efficiency also face growing cybersecurity threats. The BugHunting Campaign 2025 will recruit cybersecurity professionals to conduct free vulnerability assessments for local SMEs, by utilising AI-powered technology and a bounty-based vulnerability detection model. Additionally, security audits will also be conducted on their AI applications to prevent data breaches and provide comprehensive defences against emerging cyber threats.

The crowdsourced vulnerability detection platform CyberBay employs a secure identity and credential verification system that aligns with banking standards. All participating cybersecurity professionals must pass technical assessments and background checks to ensure their expertise and integrity. Certified cybersecurity professionals, known as "bounty hunters", will provide safe and high-quality vulnerability detection services to local enterprises.

The campaign has received an overwhelming response over the past two years, with over 210 SMEs participating. This year, additional resources will be allocated to provide participating enterprises with detailed inspection reports and complimentary one-on-one professional consultation services to address their vulnerabilities more effectively. Enterprises that demonstrate a solid cybersecurity foundation or successfully remediate vulnerabilities within a specified timeframe will be honored with an official BugHunting 2025 digital badge, recognising their commitment to cybersecurity excellence. Furthermore, cybersecurity awareness training will be offered to employees of participating enterprises to enhance their skills and vigilance in preventing data breaches.

Further details of the campaign and registration arrangements are available on the relevant websites (cyberdefender.hk/en-us/bughunting_campaign_2025/) and (cyberbay.tech/events/protectHK2025).

"BugHunting Campaign 2025" opens for applications Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

AFCD reminds hikers to pay attention to hiking safety during holidays

In light of the expected increase in hikers to country parks during the New Year holidays, the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) today (December 31) urges hikers to pay attention to safety and to use the designated hiking trails managed and maintained by the AFCD.

The AFCD has placed information boards and directory signs at appropriate locations within the country parks. Warning signs have also been installed near dangerous areas in the country parks, reminding hikers not to enter those areas to avoid accidents.

The AFCD reminds the public that the cliffs near the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform in Sai Kung have been weathered and eroded over the years. Hikers must follow the waymarks, stay on the designated hiking trails and refrain from striding over railings. The AFCD has added barriers and placed warning signs around the Po Pin Chau Viewing Platform and surrounding areas to prevent hikers from wandering into dangerous areas, hence avoiding accidents. During the New Year holidays, the AFCD will deploy additional staff to disseminate messages about hiking safety at the viewing platform and surrounding areas, to ensure the safety of hikers.

The AFCD promotes comprehensive information about trails through the "Enjoy Hiking" website (www.hiking.gov.hk) to help hikers select suitable routes. The website also provides comprehensive database on various hiking trails, including trail length, difficulty and nearby facilities, for hikers to plan hiking trips that are suitable for themselves according their personal conditions. The website also lists out high risk locations with records of fatal and serious accidents in country parks, with a view to reminding hikers to avoid visiting those areas.

For information on hiking safety, please visit the AFCD page (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/country/cou_vis/cou_vis_gac/cou_wha_whe_sat.html).

Source: AI-found images