Build a Secure Cyberspace 2016 seminar raises public awareness of guarding against cyber attacks (with photos)
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     The Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO), the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Co-ordination Centre (HKCERT) jointly held a public seminar themed "Protect Data, Secure Transaction" today (November 25) to raise public awareness of guarding against cyber attacks.

     The seminar forms part of the Build a Secure Cyberspace 2016 campaign. Representatives from the Government, industry associations and experts shared their insights on a range of topics, including the most common cyber security threats nowadays, associated security advice, security challenges faced by website administrators, points-to-note for secure mobile payment and the safe use of public Wi-Fi.

     Addressing the seminar, the Deputy Government Chief Information Officer (Infrastructure and Operations), Mr Victor Lam, said, "With the prevalence of the Internet of Things and wearable devices, as well as the development of 'smart city', people have more chances to utilise novel smart devices. Exploring ways of taking proper cyber security measures for these devices requires our attention.

     "By taking some simple security measures, such as changing pre-set passwords, choosing service or product providers with a good reputation, updating systems and software on a timely basis, and disabling unnecessary functions like remote control or surveillance services, not only can it help protect our personal data, but also helps guard ourselves against hackers and saves us from becoming the accomplices in cyber attacks."

     The award presentation ceremony of the Build a Secure Cyberspace 2016 - Mascot Design Contest was also held today. Through their designs, the contestants strived to arouse public awareness of the protection of data and information, as well as the importance of secure online transactions. The contest received overwhelming responses, with a total of some 2 000 entries. Among them, more than 1 200 entries were submitted by primary students. Details of the mascot design contest and the winning entries are available at www.cybersecurity.hk/en/contest-2016.php.

     The Build a Secure Cyberspace 2016 campaign is an annual event jointly organised by the OGCIO, the HKPF and the HKCERT. It aims to promote public awareness of information security through seminars, competitions, radio publicity programmes, information security talks at schools and other means.

     For details of the Build a Secure Cyberspace 2016 campaign and related programmes, please visit www.cybersecurity.hk/en/build-a-secure-cyberspace.php.

Ends/Friday, November 25, 2016
Issued at HKT 18:56

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