Hong Kong Enhances Cybersecurity with 10th Inter-departmental Drill Addressing AI Threats and Incident Response.

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill

The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force and the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong under the Digital Policy Office (DPO) jointly organised the 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill today (July 7), with a view to further enhancing the defence and incident response capabilities of government departments and relevant organisations against cyber attacks, and addressing the challenges arising from artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner of Police (Crime), Ms Chung Wing-man, noted that this year marks the 10th anniversary of the drill, representing a significant milestone in regularising cybersecurity drills. She pointed out that incidents involving sensitive data leaks over the past year have drawn significant public attention. With the rapid development of AI, hackers could launch cyber attacks with such technology and relevant cybersecurity risks must not be ignored. AI elements were specifically integrated into the drill this year, not only for technical practice but also to ensure that various departments and professional organisations can co-ordinate rapid and effective response to address major cybersecurity incidents, working together to safeguard Hong Kong's cybersecurity. As Hong Kong gears up to host several major international events and important activities, all departments and relevant organisations must remain vigilant, ensure their own cybersecurity measures are in place, and strengthen co-operation with different stakeholders.

Addressing the event, the Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of the DPO, Ms Candy Chan, stated that the rapid development of AI applications brings new opportunities to improve efficiency and service quality. However, the widespread adoption of AI technology also makes the cybersecurity landscape more complex. Attackers can utilise AI to accelerate reconnaissance and vulnerability scanning, as well as to generate more deceptive phishing messages and malicious content, posing unprecedented challenges to defence work. She added that the Government will continue to adhere to a risk-based preventive strategy, while actively exploring the concept of "AI vs. AI", making good use of AI technology in enhancing the efficiency and accuracy of threat detection, analysis, and response.

A total of about 350 representatives from 77 bureaux and departments, as well as 15 professional organisations, participated in the drill, which adopted a “blue teams versus red teams” approach. Participants formed “blue teams” to respond to simulated attacks in a virtual network environment, launched by “red teams” comprising cybersecurity experts. The drill scenario was based on a ransomware attack targeting information systems supporting large-scale events, and incorporated elements such as counter-cyberterrorism, autonomous AI and phishing attacks. This allowed participants to practise monitoring, analysis, reporting, handling and defence procedures in a realistic environment, thereby further enhancing collaborative defence and response capabilities, and strengthening the overall security and resilience of government information systems.

The Government will continue to strengthen cybersecurity defence through various measures, assisting departments and relevant organisations in enhancing their capabilities to counter emerging cyber threats, and safeguarding Hong Kong’s information systems and cybersecurity.

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

HKPF and DPO jointly organise 10th Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Company director sentenced to suspended imprisonment for contravening Employment Ordinance

The director of the Hong Kong Cruise and Yacht Industry Association Limited was prosecuted by the Labour Department (LD) for violating the requirements under the Employment Ordinance (EO). The director pleaded guilty at the Kowloon City Magistrates' Courts today (July 7) and was sentenced to two months' imprisonment suspended for 12 months. The director was also ordered to pay an outstanding sum of about $254,000 to the employee concerned.

The company wilfully and without reasonable excuse contravened the requirements of the EO, failing to pay an employee wages and payment in lieu of notice within seven days after the expiry of the wage periods and the termination of the employment contract, and also failing to pay the awarded sum of about $254,000 to that employee within 14 days after the date set by the Labour Tribunal (LT). The director concerned was prosecuted and convicted for her consent, connivance or neglect in the above offences.

"The ruling will disseminate a strong message to all employers, directors and responsible officers of companies that they have to pay wages, termination payments and sums awarded by the LT or the Minor Employment Claims Adjudication Board to employees within the statutory time limit stipulated in the EO," a spokesman for the LD said.

"The LD will not tolerate these offences and will spare no effort in enforcing the law and safeguarding employees' statutory rights," the spokesman added.

Source: AI-found images