Go to main content
 
DH reports suspected intrusion into Clinical Information Management System
**************************************************************************
     The Department of Health (DH) today (July 20) reported that the Immunisation Record System (IRS) of its Clinical Information Management System (CIMS) was suspected to be intruded due to hacking activity, and its computer server had been suspended with immediate effect.

     The intrusion came to light yesterday evening (July 19) when the Electronic Health Record Management Team of the DH found some suspected files in the server of the IRS of the CIMS. Initial investigations revealed that the suspected files had been put on the server from July 10 to 11 after breaking through the security measures of the system.

     Further investigations showed that the hacker might have gained access to the temporary files generated under the CIMS, which involved about 17 000 files of personal and clinical information of clients of four clinical Services of the DH. The server in question used to receive information of student name lists from primary schools before the School Immunisation Team visits these schools, but such information would not be kept in this server.

     "We suspect that such unauthorised access to the server may result in possible data leakage. Further investigations are ongoing," a spokesman for the DH said.

     "We attach great importance to the incident and express regret for it. The DH has reported it to the Police, the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data and the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer, and is now assisting the Police's investigations. We will step up efforts in protection of personal data and privacy of our clients. The server in question has been shut down immediately. The DH has notified primary schools that the uploading function is temporarily unavailable and will resume once the rectification is completed," the spokesman said.

     For enquiries, members of the public can call 2576 6278 during office hours to liaise with the DH.
 
Ends/Wednesday, July 20, 2016
Issued at HKT 20:15
NNNN
Today's Press Releases  

Related Links