Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026 Enhances Hong Kong's Cybersecurity Readiness and Cross-Sector Collaboration

Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026 successfully concludes

The three-day "Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026", jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office (DPO), the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Featuring cyber attack and defence training, and competition for cyber security practitioners, this event aims to enhance industry readiness and promote cross-sector synergy to fully fortify Hong Kong's cybersecurity.

Tailored specifically for the industry, the training course covers common cyber attacks and defence techniques, and features an agentic artificial intelligence module to help participants understand the latest defence strategies and risk management, while preparing them for cybersecurity safeguarding in upcoming large-scale events. At the same time, the competition also brings together industry and academic elites to compete, comprehensively testing their crisis management and incident response capabilities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, said that the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to unprecedented cybersecurity risks and governance challenges, especially with criminals utilising AI to launch cyberattacks. Consequently, the industry must adapt dynamically by refining technology governance strategies and proactive defence mechanisms. This training helps enhance the industry's response capabilities and ensure the cybersecurity levels of organisations.

Acting Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure) of the DPO, Ms Cari Wu, said that cybersecurity serves as the solid cornerstone for advancing the digital economy and smart-city development. To build a robust digital defence line while balancing security and development, talent is an indispensable element. The DPO will continue to work closely with industry partners to establish a comprehensive talent-development ecosystem.

The event successfully attracted over 100 organisations and a total of 200 industry professionals to participate in the attack-and-defence training. The competition also attracted more than 660 teams, involving a total of 1,500 talented participants from industry and academia. It is believed that these efforts will deepen cross-sector collaboration and fully enhance Hong Kong’s overall cybersecurity defence capabilities.

The three-day "Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026", jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Photo shows guests and supporting organisations at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The three-day "Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026", jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Photo shows the Acting Deputy Commissioner (Digital Infrastructure), Ms Cari Wu, delivering a speech at the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The three-day "Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026", jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Photo shows the Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Mr Lam Cheuk-ho, delivering the opening remarks on the first day of the training. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The three-day "Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026", jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Photo shows guests and participants during the first day of the training. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

The three-day "Cyber Attack and Defence Elite Training cum Tournament 2026", jointly organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force, the Digital Policy Office, the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation Limited, and the Hong Kong Cyber Security Professionals Association, concluded successfully today (August 26). Photo shows the Acting Chief Superintendent of the CSTCB, Ms Leung Oi-lam (centre), presenting an award to a winning team on the last day of the event. Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes

An incoming female passenger was sentenced to four months' imprisonment and fined $2,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates' Courts today (November 7) for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare them to Customs Officers, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO).

Customs officers intercepted a 44-year-old Mainland female passenger arriving in Hong Kong from Tokyo, Japan, at Hong Kong International Airport yesterday (November 6) and seized about 26,800 duty-not-paid cigarettes, with an estimated market value of about $134,000 and a duty potential of about $88,600 from her personal baggage. The passenger was subsequently arrested.

Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences.

Customs reminds members of the public that under the DCO, cigarettes are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs' 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

Incoming passenger convicted and jailed for importing duty-not-paid cigarettes Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases