The Hong Kong Ballet website has been cyber-attacked by ransomware and has caused unauthorized access to its internal computer systems.

However, the ballet company said yesterday that it is still unsure which files have been accessed by the hackers since they have been encrypted.

HKB said they initiated an internal investigation and sought help from external cybersecurity experts to assess the extent of the breach and implement remediation measures.

"At this time, we have established that after gaining unauthorized access to our internal systems, some data was accessed by cyber intruders that may include personal information and HKB's internal information. Due to ransomware file encryption, we are unable to determine the contents of all files accessed," it said.

"We have not received any demands for ransom amount or threats of data leakage from the intruders at this moment. The incident has been contained with appropriate measures implemented to prevent any further unauthorized access." HKB is working with the police and has reported the incident to the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data.

"We understand the concern and uncertainty this may cause and want to assure our partners, customers and stakeholders that we are committed to transparency and open communication throughout this process," it said, reminding its users to stay vigilant and take precautionary measures, including changing passwords.

Meanwhile, more than 270 celebrities attended the reprised Hong Kong Ballet Ball last Friday after a five-year hiatus.

"The Black and White Ball: Where Shadows and Light Dance" celebrating HKB's new Swan Lake production, which will open to audiences next year," the ballet company said.

"The Ballet Ball has been a glittering highlight of the charity ball season since its inception in 1985.

"Funds raised by HKB patrons have enabled the company to significantly grow over the past four decades and to create original repertoire and award-winning education programs that ensure that ballet will be accessible to all for years to come."

More than 270 celebrities attended the ball at Rosewood's ballroom, including their board of governors chairman Daisy Ho Chiu-fung, and board members Janice Chan-Choy and Lin Maya.

The HKB said that guests bid generously in an auction to support the company's community programs."I thank the Hong Kong government whose matching donation program is a vote of confidence in our work," Ho said.

Hong Kong Ballet's board of governors.

HK Ballet website in ransomware attack