Hacking of Cyberport sparks discussions of law on cyber security | The Standard
Hacking of Cyberport sparks discussions of law on cyber security
Local | 20 Sep 2023 2:36 pm
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong speaks to the press on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Authorities are now mulling to introduce a law on cyber security and will strengthen communications with overseas agencies, said I&T minister Sun Dong following a recent hacking on Cyberport’s computer system.
Some 400 gigabytes of data, including HKID card numbers, bank statements and resumes, was stolen and released on the dark web by hacker organization Trigona, which asked for a ransom of US$30,000 (~HK$2.35 million). The data was then put up for bidding online.
The latest incident of unlicensed cryptocurrency trading platform JPEX also saw eight people arrested, involving over 1,600 investors and nearly HK$1.2 billion in assets.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sun said these incidents rang an alarm that Hong Kong needs to further step up its legal regulations as science and technology advance.
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He also said the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau are carrying out studies on a law on cyber security with the Security Bureau and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau.
“The internet is not a place that sees no legal boundaries at all and laws that apply to the real world apply to the online world as well,” Sun said.
“As we all know, the hackers may be coming from overseas, it takes all of society and the whole world to combat cyber crimes.”
Sun again described the attack targeting Cyberport as “unfortunate” and said he has asked the digital technology flagship to step up its capabilities to prevent further hacking and to contact the affected individuals to provide necessary support.
When asked if anyone from senior management should be held accountable, Sun believes the board will carefully consider public opinions.
Sun also believes the incident would not impact Hong Kong’s status as an international hub.
Local | 20 Sep 2023 2:36 pm
Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong speaks to the press on Wednesday, September 20, 2023.
Authorities are now mulling to introduce a law on cyber security and will strengthen communications with overseas agencies, said I&T minister Sun Dong following a recent hacking on Cyberport’s computer system.
Some 400 gigabytes of data, including HKID card numbers, bank statements and resumes, was stolen and released on the dark web by hacker organization Trigona, which asked for a ransom of US$30,000 (~HK$2.35 million). The data was then put up for bidding online.
The latest incident of unlicensed cryptocurrency trading platform JPEX also saw eight people arrested, involving over 1,600 investors and nearly HK$1.2 billion in assets.
Speaking on Wednesday, Sun said these incidents rang an alarm that Hong Kong needs to further step up its legal regulations as science and technology advance.
The Standard Channel
More>>
He also said the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau are carrying out studies on a law on cyber security with the Security Bureau and the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau.
“The internet is not a place that sees no legal boundaries at all and laws that apply to the real world apply to the online world as well,” Sun said.
“As we all know, the hackers may be coming from overseas, it takes all of society and the whole world to combat cyber crimes.”
Sun again described the attack targeting Cyberport as “unfortunate” and said he has asked the digital technology flagship to step up its capabilities to prevent further hacking and to contact the affected individuals to provide necessary support.
When asked if anyone from senior management should be held accountable, Sun believes the board will carefully consider public opinions.
Sun also believes the incident would not impact Hong Kong’s status as an international hub.
