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The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) held a counter cyber and physical terrorism exercise codenamed WINGEDHORSE jointly with CLP Power Hong Kong Limited (CLP) at CLP System Control Centre and an electricity substation on December 20, 2022. In addition to the officers of Fire Services Department, around 200 officers from the Force, including Counter Terrorism Response Unit (CTRU), Force Exercise Team, Public Relations Wing, Critical Infrastructure Security Coordination Centre, Emergency Unit (EU) of New Territories South (NTS), Police Tactical Unit (PTU) of NTS and Shatin District also took part in the exercise. Chief Superintendent of CSTCB Cheng Lai-ki attended to direct the exercise and encourage the participating officers.
The exercise simulated a group of terrorists trying to hack into CLP’s computer system via a phishing email to steal confidential data pertaining to power supply operating system with the intention to paralyse the power supply in Hong Kong. Upon discovery of the compromised computer system, CLP staff members in no time isolated and protected the system in accordance with the established protocols to ensure that its service would not be affected. With assistance from the personnel of CLP, CTRU officers proceeded to the scene and conducted incident response to the illegally invaded computer system, which included investigation, evidence collection and system recovery, as well as providing cybersecurity advices. At the same time, a terrorist attack at an electricity substation was also simulated. Officers from CTRU, EU NTS, PTU NTS and Tin Sum Division arrived at the scene swiftly. Six terrorists were subdued and further casualties and damage were avoided.
Chief Superintendent of CSTCB Cheng Lai-ki points out that the development of local terrorism is going online and getting more covert. It is necessary for all police units to build up anti-terrorism capabilities, strengthen multi-disciplinary exercises with various stakeholders and deepen the communication and cooperation with them.The exercise has not only enhanced the officers’ reaction, coordination and communication capabilities in response to terrorist attacks, but also strengthened the preparedness of the Force and other stakeholders for cyber and physical attacks.
