Hongkong Post Reports Cybersecurity Incident Affecting EC-Ship Account Holders' Address Books

Hongkong Post reports information security incident

​Hongkong Post announced today (July 21) that an information security incident involving its EC-Ship account holders was identified today. The incident involved a robotic access to information of the address books of account holders of EC-Ship.

Upon identification of the incident, Hongkong Post has taken immediate measures to block the unauthorised access. It has also followed established guidelines and procedures and reported the case to the Police, the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and the Security Bureau respectively on the same day. The EC-Ship service has resumed normal.

Hongkong Post condemns such cyberattacks and will work closely with the Police on the investigation. Based on preliminary assessment, the incident could involve the information on the address books of EC-Ship account holders, including senders' and recipients' names, addresses, phone numbers, fax numbers and email addresses. Investigation is still underway to ascertain the number of account holders affected and whether any personal data leakage is involved. Hongkong Post will inform affected account holders as soon as possible when further updates are available.

Hongkong Post has been following established Government procedures on information and cybersecurity. It is currently seeking advice from the DPO to assist with the investigation, and will further strengthen its system security measures.

Hongkong Post reiterates that it will not send embedded hyperlinks via emails, SMS messages or social media pages for collecting personal information or requesting for payment. Hongkong Post wishes to alert members of the public to refrain from clicking on any embedded links or providing any personal or financial information such as credit card information, or making any payment to suspicious emails or SMS messages alleged to be sent by Hongkong Post. For enquiries, members of the public may call the Hongkong Post General Enquiry Hotline at 2921 2222.

Source: AI-found images

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