Editorial | Hong Kong’s innovation goals must go hand in hand with cybersecurity
Recent reports on rising cyberattacks and data leaks underline the importance of bolstering cybersecurity in an AI-enhanced era
Hong Kong is striving to become a “fortress” capable of defending the city from increasingly complex hacking attacks and sophisticated scams. Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry Sun Dong pointed out at a cybersecurity symposium last month that the development of tech and protection from such threats must be achieved simultaneously.
Meanwhile, the growing use in the community of generative and agentive AI – which can automatically reply to emails or open websites – created fresh risks of confidential data being leaked.
The Productivity Council’s study also revealed a more than three-fold rise in cases relating to vulnerable computer systems, fuelled by a preventive operation conducted by a cybersecurity firm to check companies’ systems and identify loopholes. There is much work to be done. Hong Kong’s drive to become an international centre for innovation and technology must be accompanied by comprehensive efforts to protect systems from hacking and leaks.
The government has sought to increase awareness and expertise, staging forums for professionals, stepping up broader public education and providing training. Efforts to improve management of government information systems through interdepartmental collaboration, drills and other protective measures are continuing.