"Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme" Launches to Bolster SME Defences Digital Policy Office and HKCERT Joint Initiative Creates a Vetted Platform Across Four Service Pillars

(Hong Kong, October 23, 2025) The “Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme” (the Programme), jointly developed by the Digital Policy Office (DPO) and the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT), was officially launched today. The Programme aims to strengthen connections between cybersecurity service providers and local enterprises or organisations, precisely matching the cybersecurity needs of local enterprises (particularly SMEs), helping them quickly find suitable solutions and strengthen their defence systems.

Industry Participation Drives Cybersecurity Ecosystem Development
More than ten qualified service providers and representatives from local SME chambers witnessed the launch ceremony today. The event featured supplier exhibition booths, facilitating in-depth exchanges between providers and enterprise representatives on cybersecurity challenges and solutions, sharing practical applications and support models of various solutions to strengthen industry interaction and collaboration. The lively atmosphere highlighted the Programme's positive role in promoting information sharing, resource connectivity, and advancing the development of Hong Kong's cybersecurity ecosystem.

Mr Tony WONG, the Commissioner for Digital Policy said that cybersecurity is not merely a technical issue, but also the foundation of corporate reputation in which each company should attach importance to. He believed that the “Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme” can serve as a bridge linking enterprises and service providers, helping enterprises strengthen their capability to defend against cyber threats. The Digital Policy Office will continue to work closely with stakeholders across all sectors to promote more cybersecurity activities, safeguarding Hong Kong’s cybersecurity and building a safer and more resilient digital Hong Kong.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC), remarked, “The 'Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme' supports enterprises in taking a proactive approach to cybersecurity by connecting local service providers with organisations to build a trusted cybersecurity ecosystem. The platform streamlines the process for SMEs, making it easier to identify suitable cybersecurity solutions whilst ensuring resources are deployed effectively. The Programme incorporates rigorous vetting procedures and user feedback mechanisms to maintain high service standards. Looking ahead, it will bring together Government, industry, and enterprises to expand services into emerging domains such as cloud and artificial intelligence (AI), enhance professional standards through certification programmes, and drive broader adoption across industries to deliver maximum value”.

One-Stop Platform Carefully Vets Providers – Four Major Service Categories Provide Comprehensive Coverage
The Programme maintains rigorous vetting standards on the service providers. With comprehensive reviews on the providers’ professional qualifications, industry experience, service scope and their past performance, all service providers displayed on the platform have attained high levels of service quality and reliability. So far, there are 18 qualified providers. Moreover, the platform incorporates a review mechanism where enterprises can leave comments on the website after using a provider's services, providing opinions and feedback to encourage continuous improvement by providers. Qualified providers will be centrally displayed on a dedicated website, enabling enterprises to quickly search and directly contact them to match suitable cybersecurity solutions and enhance overall protection effectiveness. Visit the programme website now: https://spconnect.hkcert.org/tc/

The Programme primarily covers the following four major service categories, including the showcase of internet security solutions, cybersecurity assessment services, managed security and incident response services and cybersecurity training services. The platform also offers free self-assessment cybersecurity tools to help enterprises gain a deep understanding of their cybersecurity status and recommend suitable security solutions targeting vulnerabilities, aiming to enhance data security and operational stability. Additionally, the Programme includes a “Cybersecurity Resource Library” offering a range of solution guides, best practice references for SME cybersecurity, free tools, and more, allowing enterprises to access the latest information and resources anytime, continuously strengthening their defence capabilities.

Urgent Need to Strengthen Enterprise Protection as Cyber Threats Surge, with Four Steps to Enhance Cybersecurity Defence Capabilities
Cyberattack threats are becoming increasingly severe, with SMEs bearing the brunt due to relatively limited resources and professional knowledge. According to HKCERT data, from January to September 2025, Hong Kong recorded a total of 11,981 cybersecurity incidents, a year-on-year increase of 36%. The incidents involve multiple attack types and are complex and evolving in nature, covering phishing attacks, botnets, distributed denial-of-service, malware, and more.

Ir Alex CHAN, General Manager of the Digital Trust and Transformation Division of HKPC and spokesperson for HKCERT, added that enterprises should strategically select cybersecurity services covering different domains based on their business characteristics and risk profiles, deploying appropriate technical solutions, conducting regular risk assessments, establishing incident response mechanisms, and strengthening employee training to build a multi-layered defense system. Enterprises are recommended to take four major steps on the Programme platform to enhance their cybersecurity defence capabilities, namely conducting free self-assessment, obtaining recommended solutions, contacting qualified cybersecurity service providers listed on the platform for follow-up actions, and utilise free cybersecurity resources and practical guidelines provided by the Programme to continuously strengthen enterprise security protection measures.

Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2025 Explores Pathways for AI to Enhance Digital Infrastructure's Resilience Against Cyber Threats
The Cyber Security Summit Hong Kong 2025, jointly organised by HKPC, HKCERT, and over 10 leading cybersecurity organisations in Hong Kong, will be held on 6-7 November at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre in Wan Chai. As the annual international flagship event of Hong Kong's cybersecurity industry, this year's Summit is themed “Future-Proofing Digital Infrastructure: Harnessing AI for Enhanced Security and Resilience,” aiming to explore pathways for AI to enhance digital infrastructure's resilience against cyber threats through a series of speaking sessions, providing in-depth insights into the latest trends and cutting-edge developments in cybersecurity.

The Summit features rich content and a star-studded line-up of speakers, including Mr Tony WONG, Commissioner for Digital Policy; Ms Ada CHUNG Lai-ling, Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data; Mr CHAN Wing On, Francis, Assistant Director (Critical Infrastructure) of the Security Bureau; and Ms Rachel HUI, Superintendent of the Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau at the Hong Kong Police. Participants will exchange ideas with expert speakers over two days and learn about the latest cybersecurity trends. Register now: https://www.cssummit.hk/registration/

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The “Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme” was officially launched today. (From left to right): Ir Alex CHAN, General Manager of the Digital Trust and Transformation Division of HKPC and spokesperson for HKCERT; Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of HKPC; Mr Tony WONG, JP, Commissioner for Digital Policy Office; Ms Candy CHAN, Assistant Commissioner (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of Digital Policy Office and Mr Rick CHAN, Chief Systems Manager (Project Governance and Cybersecurity) of Digital Policy Office.

Mr Tony WONG, the Commissioner for Digital Policy, delivered opening remarks at the launching ceremony of the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme.

Mr Edmond LAI, Chief Digital Officer of the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) delivered welcome remarks at the launching ceremony of the Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme

The group photo of all guests attending the launch ceremony of the “Cybersecurity Service Providers Connect Programme.”

The event featured multiple supplier exhibition booths where guests, suppliers, and representatives from local SME chambers engaged in lively discussions, deeply exploring cybersecurity challenges and practical solutions, while promoting industry cooperation and resource sharing.