HKPC Warns of Security Risks on Cloud Computing and Mobile Environment

Local businesses and organizations are urged to set up policies on the use of Cloud Computing and mobile devices for office works in order to protect against cyber threats and information leakages.

Speaking at the opening of the “Information Security Summit 2011” today (30 November 2011), Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), said, “Cloud Computing and mobile devices are two emerging technologies which adoption are on the rise. However, many organizations are not aware of the related security risks; nor are there any policies and measures in place to control the access to their corporate network.”

“Businesses and organizations should regularly assess the potential risks and identify measures to avoid or mitigate them. They should also establish a service level agreement with the service providers on the expectation of the service and other quality attributes, so that their clients’ interests are properly protected,” she added.

On HKPC’s latest efforts in promoting information security among local businesses, Mrs Mak said, “HKPC will shortly launch a Government-funded project to raise the awareness of SMEs on the security risks of smartphones, and to assist them to set up related policies. The HKPC-managed Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre is also planning new incident response services on this platform.”

Under the theme of “Managing Information – Security Risks of Cloud, Mobile and Social Networking Environments”, the Summit is jointly hosted by HKPC and six information security bodies. It comprises a conference and technical workshops.

Other officiating guests at the opening of the Summit included Mr Stephen Mak, Government Chief Information Officer of the HKSAR Government, and Mr Dale Johnstone, Chairman of the Summit’s organizing committee.

For further information about the Summit and HKPC’s information security services, please contact Ms Tracy Choy at tel. (852) 2788 5884 or email: tracyc@hkpc.org. For other media enquiries, please contact Mr Felix Chan at tel. (852) 2788 5036 or email: felixchan@hkpc.org.

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Mr Jonathan Ho

General Manager

Corporate Communications

Tel: (852) 2788 6390

Fax: (852) 2788 5056

Email: jonathanho@hkpc.org

Website: www.hkpc.org

30 November 2011

Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of HKPC, gave welcoming address at the opening ceremony of the "Information Security Summit 2011"

Mr Stephen Mak, Chief Government Information Officer of the HKSAR Government (front row, centre); accompanied by Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of HKPC, and Mr Dale Johnstone, Chairman of the "Information Security Summit 2011" organizing committee, posed for a group photo with Summit organizers and sponsors