The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) co-organised the fifth Inter-departmental Cyber Security Drill with the Government Computer Emergency Response Team Hong Kong (GovCERT.HK) on January 21. The drill aimed to strengthen the capability of government bureaux/departments (B/Ds) against emerging cyber attacks and foster cyber security collaboration amongst the Force and other B/Ds. The drill was first held online to cope with government employees’ special work arrangements and a total of 105 officers from 40 B/Ds took part in the drill.

Addressing the opening session, Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Yip Wan-lung pointed out that the cyber attacks and technology crime became more complicated due to the technological development and the pandemic. Both the Force and B/Ds were imperative to strengthen the collaboration on cyber security and enhance the competencies in mitigating cyber risks. The drill facilitated the exchange of knowledge and experience amongst the participants and enhanced the Government’s overall cyber resilience to address emerging cyber threats.

The drill consisted of a tabletop exercise and a hands-on exercise, simulating an unauthorised intrusion into a Government information system caused by a malware infection. In the tabletop exercise, the participants discussed the strategies for responding to the incident and shared their experience. CSTCB and GovCERT.HK representatives also shared their practical experience and professional advice with a view to strengthening the information security defensive capabilities within the Government.

In the hands-on exercise, participants performed as members of Incident Response Team to conduct incident response and investigation under the guidance of CSTCB officers. The participants analysed system logs and records to find out the root cause and plug the security loophole. CSTCB officers also demonstrated the modus operandi used in various cyber attacks and shared the solutions to boost the participants’ awareness of cyber security.

Before concluding the drill, Acting Chief Superintendent of CSTCB Lam Cheuk-ho added that the drill offered an effective platform for B/Ds to assess cyber security threats and assist them in formulating effective solutions against cyber attacks. It also showed CSTCB’s commitment and capability in combating cyber threats.

Assistant Commissioner (Crime) Yip Wan-lung points out that cyber attacks and technology crime become more complicated due to technological development and the pandemic.