A total of 80 outstanding cyber security practitioners were presented with the Cyber Security Professionals Awards (CSPA) 2017 in a presentation ceremony at the Hong Kong Science Park on February 26.

Co-organised by the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau, the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, the award scheme aimed to recognise practitioners for their excellence, innovation and leadership in the field of cyber security.

Officiating at the award presentation ceremony were Chief Secretary for Administration Mr Cheung Kin-chung, Commissioner Lo Wai-chung, Government Chief Information Officer Mr Yeung Tak-bun, Chairman of the Hong Kong Productivity Council Mr Lin Sun-mo, Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Ms Shirley Yuen and Chief Executive Officer of the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation Mr Wong Hak-keung.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Cheung said that the scheme provides a valuable platform for cyber security experts from various sectors to exchange their experience and knowledge.

Mr Lo said that 5 567 technology crimes were recorded in 2017, representing a drop of 6.3 per cent when compared with 2016. In view of the fast development of technology and diversified modus operandi of online crimes, different sectors of the community should work together to improve cyber security and deal with the ever changing nature of cyber threats.

The CSPA scheme was launched in 2016 and two more sectors were added to the scheme in 2017. A total of 193 nominations were received from five sectors, namely banking and finance, communications, government and public bodies, transportations and public utilities and online services providers.