The Information Security Summit, jointly organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council Cyber Security (HKPC Cyber Security) and the cyber security industry in Hong Kong, celebrates its 20th anniversary and officially rebrands its name to Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong.
As the annual insight-packed flagship cyber security event in Hong Kong, this year’s Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023 (the Summit) is supported by 10 leading information security organisations and takes centre stage at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 11 and 12 September.
Under the captivating theme of “Securing Enterprises to Prepare for the Post Quantum & AI World”, the Summit serves as a comprehensive platform to disseminate cutting-edge insights into information security advancements and encompasses a wide array of subject matters, including emerging cyber attacks, novel technologies, new cyber security defence frameworks, and risk management methodologies.
The opening ceremony of the Summit was officiated today by Lillian Cheong, acting secretary for innovation, technology and industry of the HKSAR Government, Dr Hao Yinxing, director-general for the Information Centre of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR, and Mohamed Butt, executive director of HKPC.
Ms Lillian CHEONG, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (third from right), Dr HAO Yinxing, Director-General, Information Centre of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (second from left), Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC, Mr Jason PUN, Acting Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer of the HKSAR Government (first from left) and Mr Dale JOHNSTONE (first from right), Chairman of Organising Committee of Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023 officiated the “Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023”. | Photo by HKPC Cyber Security/NHA File Photo
In her opening remarks, Lillian Cheong said, “Artificial intelligence (AI) is bringing changes to most, if not all, aspects of our everyday life. It will revolutionise industries, unlock unprecedented opportunities, and reshape our very existence. We have to face the profound security implications that arise from these groundbreaking developments.
“Cyber security is a matter of significant concern for the government and it is given high priority and is viewed as a critical aspect of governance. We strive to ensure that these risks are effectively managed and that our cyber security measures remain resilient in the face of technological progress.”
Cheong continued, “The defence against cyber security threats does call for a holistic approach that transcends traditional boundaries, encompassing the realms of technology and human expertise. Let’s work together towards this goal.”
Other officiating guests included Jason Pun, acting deputy government chief information officer, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer of the HKSAR Government, and Dale Johnstone, chairman of the organising committee of the Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023.
The Summit brings together information security experts from Hong Kong, China and overseas, as well as representatives from internationally renowned companies who will share their experiences and knowledge of cyber security with a focus on how companies can fortify their cyber security measures in the swiftly evolving landscape of the post-quantum and AI world.
Mohamed Butt said, “It is vital to recognise the critical importance of cyber security in our rapidly evolving digital landscape. The threat of cyber attacks is growing, and it is imperative that we remain vigilant and proactive in our efforts to protect our organisations.
“In an annual report issued by the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) early this year, hackers can use AI to create fake messages, such as images and sounds, to blackmail, create pornographic videos, spread rumours and even bypass biometric authentication to steal people’s identities. However, the cyber security industry is also evolving, with new technologies and best practices emerging to help us stay ahead of the curve. A collaborative effort is required among cyber security professionals, government officials, and industry leaders.”
Mohamed added, “Let’s work together to prepare our enterprises for the post-quantum and AI world, amid ensuring a smart and secure smart city for everyone!”
Ms Lillian CHEONG, Acting Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry of the HKSAR Government (third from right), Dr HAO Yinxing, Director-General, Information Centre of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the HKSAR (second from left), Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC, Mr Jason PUN, Acting Deputy Government Chief Information Officer, Office of the Government Chief Information Officer of the HKSAR Government (first from left) and Mr Dale JOHNSTONE (first from right), Chairman of Organising Committee of Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023 officiated the “Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2023”. | Photo by HKPC Cyber Security/NHA File Photo
As more and more enterprises are undergoing digital transformation, accompanied by the rapid advancement of technology and the ever-evolving nature of cyber attacks, it is crucial to understand the latest cyber security trends to safeguard the information assets of enterprises.
The annual “Hong Kong Security Watch Report”1 Q2 2023 compiled by HKCERT shows that the number of botnets experienced a sharp increase of 53.8 per cent to 1,232 local reports. When the Internet of Things (IoT) device is infected, the software can infect a large number of IoT devices, which can then launch very large-scale attacks, causing severe damage to Internet infrastructure.
Recently, HKCERT has identified five major information security risks that warrant attention in 2023, including phishing attacks for identity or credential theft, attacks using AI, crime-as-a-service, security risks associated with Web 3.0, and widespread application of IoT which creates more opportunities for attacks. With the cyber security threats posed by new technologies, such as AI, blockchain, cryptocurrency, metaverse, and others, it is imperative that enterprises develop a cyber security strategy for securing their Internet infrastructure for expeditious purposes.
In addition to the Summit, HKPC Cyber Security has recently launched the “Smart & Secure City Hall”, which aims to raise awareness of cyber security among enterprises and the public, and showcases 15 most recent technologies and innovative solutions of cyber security across the Government, industry, academia and research sectors to safeguard enterprises from cyber and hacking attacks.
Current initiatives also include the publishing of the “Hong Kong Security Watch Report” and the launch of “All-Out Anti-Phishing” promotion event, amongst others, to enhance the overall cyber security of the local community and promote the sustainable development of Hong Kong’s digital economy.
The Summit ends tomorrow (12 September), while a series of workshops will also be held from late September 2023 to April 2024 to keep industry practitioners abreast of the latest security technologies and solutions.
