(Hong Kong, 23 October 2024) Jointly organised by the Hong Kong Productivity Council Cyber Security (HKPC Cyber Security), and other ten leading local information security organisations, the “Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2024” (the Summit) takes place at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre on 23 and 24 October. Stepping into its 21st anniversary, the Summit has become the annual flagship event of Hong Kong cyber security industry. Themed “Cyber Security Fortification: The AI Paradox”, this year’s Summit explores the latest trends in information security, with the focus on digital transformation, legislation, privacy, compliance management, and more. The Summit brought together over 20 information security experts from Hong Kong, the Chinese Mainland and all over the world, as well as representatives from world-renowned corporations, including Check Point, IBM, Huawei, and SonicWall, to share cutting-edge knowledge in the field of cyber security, particularly on how to enhance cyber security measures in the tech era, and the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in cyber security, along with the latest technologies and solutions.
Officiating guests at the Opening Ceremony included Professor Qionghai DAI, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering; Mr Chenhong MU, Deputy Director of Information Centre, Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR; Ir Tony WONG, Commissioner for Digital Policy; Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of HKPC, Mr Mohamed BUTT, Executive Director of HKPC; and Mr Dale JOHNSTONE, Chairman of Organising Committee, Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2024.
In his Opening Speech, Ir Tony WONG, Commissioner for Digital Policy, stated “The convergence of AI and cyber security presents both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges. By recognising potential risks, adopting strategic responses, and implementing strong governance frameworks, we are able to maximise the benefits of AI for a more resilient and secure future. We look forward to collaborating with industry stakeholders in advancing digital transformation and cultivating a sustainable community.”
In addition, Hon Sunny TAN, Chairman of HKPC, said in his speech “Within the ever-changing cyber threat landscape, AI is playing a dual role in cyber security. While it has bolstered our defences, it has also lowered the barrier for cyber attacks. According to the latest figures from HKCERT, as of September 2024, the total number of security incidents processed has reached 8,810—a record high that has already surpassed the total number of incidents in 2023. During this nine-month period, approximately 30,000 phishing URLs were reported, representing a 260% increase compared to 2023. To combat the evolving threat landscape, HKCERT launched cyber security applications leveraging AI technology this year to proactively detect and distinguish phishing URLs. Upon detection, HKCERT promptly take action to remove the phishing URLs, reducing the chances of individuals falling victims to phishing attacks. Just in September this year, over 7 million of URLs have been scanned, and successfully intercepted phishing websites, including those imitating popular e-commerce platforms and instant messaging software used by Hong Kong people.” He added, “HKPC will continue to work together with our partners to strengthen our cyber security measures in the AI-driven world and build a smart, secure city.”
Another highlight of the Summit is the feature of 30 thematic discussions, bringing together cyber security experts and technical advisors from home and abroad to explore the impact of AI on cyber security, sharing examples and experiences of using relevant technologies to reduce cyber security risks. The Summit provides an international exchange platform for industry professionals to delve into topics such as AI threat detection, vulnerability management, data security assessments, and preventing data leaks, while also featuring multiple themed booths showcasing various cyber security solutions. The Summit is also dedicated to promoting the development of cyber security in Hong Kong and contributing to a sustainable security network. Notably, Professor Qionghai DAI, Academician of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, delivered a keynote speech titled “Rethinking AI: From Paradox to Promise,” providing profound insights as he said “In the past decade, driven by advancements in neural networks, deep learning, and large models, AI has experienced a new wave of development. However, amid this surge, we face an “intelligence paradox”: tasks that are simple for humans seem difficult for AI, while tasks that are easy for AI are often challenging for humans. Looking forward, sensors, computational power, and brain intelligence are expected to open new opportunities and hold the promise of revolutionary breakthroughs in AI, and lead to new promise for its cross-domain applications in industrial manufacturing, biomedical research, low-altitude economy, scientific research, and cultural media.”
Weaponisation of AI Will Affect Cyber Security Ecosystem; HKCERT Detect Over 7 million URLs
In the face of increasingly severe cyber attack, defence measures must also evolve with times. Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) launched two cyber security measures using AI technology, including proactively detecting and identifying phishing URLs and promptly following up, as well as analysing and assessing local trends of phishing, malware, and botnet attacks, to alert the public in a timely manner. Precise combat of cyber threats can be achieved by analysing cyber security attacks and leveraging new technologies to strengthen cyber security defences. According to HKCERT’s 2024 AI detection data, its AI scanned over 7 million URLs just in September, successfully intercepting phishing websites impersonating commonly used Hong Kong shopping platforms and communication software. With the trend of AI weaponisation, criminals can utilise AI to launch cyber attacks more easily, breaching network and stealing data in a very short time. Considering cyber security risks imposed by AI, businesses must effectively leverage innovative technologies as a “shield” to protect their networks from emerging risks and threats. Furthermore, HKCERT urges companies to develop strategies to enjoy the convenience brought by technology while remaining vigilant to ensure information security.
HKPC Cyber Security firmly believes that through the concerted efforts of the Government, cyber security experts and the industry, we can build a safe and stable network environment, reducing the risk of cyber attacks on business and citizens. As the organiser of the Summit, HKPC Cyber Security will continue to work closely with HKCERT, actively exploring the latest trends and technologies, promoting innovations in IT applications for cyber security, drawing on domestic and foreign cyber security frameworks, providing comprehensive cyber security assessments and audit services, offering information on cyber security incidents and defence guidelines to local businesses and the public, analysing potential vulnerabilities and risks in cyber security, and actively researching solutions to enhance Hong Kong’s cyber security capabilities.
Additionally, HKCERT will publish findings on potential cyber security threats associated with Internet of Things (IoT) digital signage on 27 November, allowing the industry to gain deeper insights into cyber and data security. Industry professionals are welcome to visit the following website for more information: https://www.hkcert.org/blog/iot-security-guideline-for-digital-signage
- Ends -
FOLLOW US
SUBSCRIBE TO OUR NEWSLETTERS
Share the latest information of HKPC to your inbox
SIGNUP NOW