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More than 250 government staff, including a number of senior bureau and department staff, last week attended an information security conference organised by the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO).
Entitled "Stop data leakage", the conference was one of the key activities under the Government Staff Communication Programme to reinforce information security. The programme has been launched to help government staff build up and sustain a high level of awareness, working knowledge and good practices, and a commitment to safeguarding sensitive and personal data.
Addressing the conference, the Government Chief Information Officer, Mr Jeremy Godfrey, said, "The Government takes information security and the need to protect personal data extremely seriously. Security breaches are very costly. For data leakage cases, it causes anxiety to those whose information is being leaked, it necessitates the recovery cost and it also demands substantial effort to rebuild trust."
He told participants that the success of improving data protection relied on staff complying with the information security requirement. "Information security needs the attention and support by every member of the Government. In this regard, we have accorded high priority to help staff to acquire the knowledge and understanding of data security measures and the need to adopt suitable security mechanisms," he said.
The Deputy Government Chief Information Officer (Consulting and Operations), Mr Stephen Mak, who is also the Chairman of the Information Security Management Committee overseeing IT security within the government, elaborated on the need for changes in the mindset and culture of all staff in upholding very high standards of data security and privacy.
He provided an account of the Government's central support arrangements for information security, and details of a year-long communication programme to address the needs of different groups of government staff. These include thematic conferences, publications, training, quizzes, promotion videos, best practices forum, seminars and showcases.
Senior officers of the Security Bureau and Civil Service Bureau also shared with the audience office culture, behaviour and knowledge building to support security policies and good practices in the management, operation and delivery of government services.
Ends/Sunday, May 3, 2009
Issued at HKT 15:01
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