HK bolsters defenses with major cybersecurity drill ahead of key events

Hong Kong kicked off its Cybersecurity Attack and Defence Drill on Friday, ramping up preparations for potential digital threats just weeks before the 15th National Games and the Legislative Council General Election. 

The three-day exercise, running until late October 12, aims to sharpen the skills of government and public sector teams in spotting and countering cyberattacks while maintaining everyday operations.

Organized by the Digital Policy Office alongside the Hong Kong Police Force's Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, the Hong Kong Internet Registration Corporation, Cyberport, and the Hong Kong Institute of Information Technology, the drill draws in 34 defense squads from 25 government departments and nine public organizations. 

These Blue Teams will protect their live information systems against simulated assaults from 15 Red Teams—expert hackers from Hong Kong, the mainland, universities, and elite groups endorsed by Guangdong's Cyberspace Administration.

The event builds on last year's inaugural drill by expanding its scope for greater impact. In a controlled setup, attackers probe for weaknesses in internet-connected systems, allowing defenders to test response strategies and uncover vulnerabilities. 

Mainland cybersecurity firms lend expertise, while over 60 observers from various groups watch to refine their own protocols.

At the opening ceremony, Innovation, Technology and Industry Secretary Sun Dong stressed that a robust cyber framework is essential for Hong Kong's growth as a global tech hub, enabling thorough assessments that fortify the city's digital safeguards.