HKPC Calls for Enhanced Security in Networked Embedded Systems

Businesses and organizations are urged to strengthen their readiness against emerging cyber threats targeting networked embedded systems or the “Internet of Things” (IoTs), arising from the integrated use of disruptive technologies such as mobile and cloud computing, social networking and big data analytics.

Addressing the “Information Security Summit 2015” today (15 September 2015), Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), said, “While the convergence of these disruptive technologies offers richer experience and new capabilities for their users and unprecedented opportunities for businesses, it is also blurring the boundary of the digital and physical worlds. Various types of data, including personal data, transaction data and environmental data of critical systems, are being transferred across the relatively open and uncontrolled Internet.”

“Any error or breach of the systems may induce physical damage to connected systems or affect our well-being or, even, survival. It is paramount for all industry sectors and enterprises to assess the cyber security threats of their systems and environment thoroughly,” she continued.

As a whole, in the first eight months of 2015, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) of HKPC handled 3,097 incidents, up 38% from the same period last year. HKPC’s advice came as an alert to the public to keep up the vigilance against rising cyber security threats.

Jointly hosted by HKPC, HKCERT and seven information security professional bodies, this year’s Summit addresses the theme of “Information Anywhere Anytime – Mobile, Analytics, Cloud, IoTs – Security Friends or Foes”. To facilitate a more thorough discussion of the issues on hand, the Summit has been extended to two days.

Apart from the Summit, HKPC is planning on a study on the cyber security threats to embedded systems of smart cars and accessories with a view to develop a security assessment model to help local automotive parts and accessory systems manufacturers to mitigate these threats during development.

Officiating guests at the opening of the Summit included Mr Victor Lam, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer (Consulting and Operations) of the HKSAR, and Mr Dale Johnstone, Chairman of the Summit’s organizing committee.

For information about the Summit and HKPC’s information security services, please contact Mr Dennis Wong, Principal Consultant (IT Industry Development) of HKPC, on tel.: (852) 2788 5882 or email: denniswong@hkpc.org. For other media enquiries, please contact Mr Felix Chan of Corporate Communication and Marketing Division at tel. (852) 2788 5036 or email: felixchan@hkpc.org.

* * *

Mr Jonathan Ho
General Manager
Corporate Communication and Marketing
Tel: (852) 2788 6390
Fax: (852) 2788 5056
Email: jonathanho@hkpc.org
Website: www.hkpc.org

15 September 2015

Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of HKPC, gives welcoming address

Mr Victor Lam, Deputy Government Chief Information Officer (front row, centre), accompanied by Mrs Agnes Mak, Executive Director of HKPC, and Mr Dale Johnstone, Chairman of “Information Security Summit 2015” organizing committee, pose for a group photo with the Summit’s co-organizers, speakers and supporting organizations’ representatives