Suspicious fraudulent website: www.swisscreditbank.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert the public to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.swisscreditbank.com". The website is operated by an alleged "Bank of Swisscredit" that is not authorized under the Banking Ordinance to carry on banking business or the business of taking deposits in Hong Kong.

Radio Programme - Information Security is Everybody's Business

Want to know more about Information Security? A series of 40 radio programmes have been broadcast on Commercial Radio Channel 881 starting from March 2003 to December 2003. You are welcome to download the archives of the related radio programmes from this website.

Suspicious Fraudulent Website: www.dbshk.net

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name www.dbshk.net. The website uses the name of DBS Bank and offers a number of banking and investment services.

Stay alert to information security during the festive season

Computer users are reminded to adopt wise practices to protect themselves from cyber attacks, particularly during the festive season. Viruses or malicious programs may be disguised as seasonal greetings.

Guangdong/HK Expert Group on Protection of IPR hold first meeting

The Guangdong/Hong Kong Expert Group on the Protection of Intellectual Property Rights convened its first meeting in Hong Kong. The expert group was set up to enhance exchanges and co-operation on various aspects of intellectual property, including promotion and education, training, enforcement and information dissemination.

Prevention of Child Pornography Ordinance (Cap. 579) shall come into operation on Dec 19, 2003

This ordinance covers the creation of offences relating to child pornography including publishing and possessing of computer-generated image or visual depiction made or generated by electronic means.

Government signs security program agreement with Microsoft

Representing the Government, the Information Technology Services Department signed an agreement with Microsoft to participate in Microsoft's Government Security Program (GSP). The GSP is a standing offer by Microsoft to permit government bodies to access without charge the software source codes and related information of various Microsoft Windows Operating System products subject to any US applicable export restrictions.

Secure e-business inspires e-option confidence

The Government has implemented a range of measures to establish a secure and reliable e-business environment to inspire public confidence in e-options, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said at the Information Security Summit 2003.

New updates on "Computer Related Crime" section

The section of "Computer Related Crime" is now updated. This includes latest updates on statistics such as no. of computer crime cases and the crime cases breakdown for hardware in Hong Kong, and also other subsections.

Exco Member Andrew Liao briefed on Customs' anti-piracy work

Executive Council Member, the Honourable Andrew Liao Cheung-sing visited the Customs and Excise Department for a better understanding of the Customs enforcement actions against piracy and counterfeiting activities. The Hon Andrew Liao saw demonstrations of how Customs officials raided illicit outlets selling pirated CDs, VCDs, DVDs, TV games, business computer software, and varied counterfeit goods.

LCQ16: Parallel importation of articles which have embodied in them a computer program

A question on parallel importation of articles which have embodied in them a computer program raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr John Tsang, in the Legislative Council.

Suspicious fraudulent website: www.paramountbank.net

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert the public to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name www.paramountbank.net. The website is operated by an alleged "Paramount Bank," which is not authorized under the Banking Ordinance to carry on banking business or the business of taking deposits in Hong Kong.

E-auction fraudster charged

Police arrested a 36-year-old man in connection with a spate of E-auction frauds from two auction websites, and charged the man with two counts of access to computer with dishonest intent, one count each of obtaining property by deception, using false instrument and possession of forged identity document.

Anti-crime operation in Kowloon West Region

Police seized a large quantity of suspected obscene and pirated Video Compact Discs (VCDs) in an anti-crime operation jointly with the Immigration Department, Customs and Exercise Department and Television and Entertainment Licensing Authority. A total of 261 persons were arrested for various offences including breach of conditions of stay, possession of obscene articles for the purpose of publication, possession of dutiable goods and copyright related offences.

LCQ12: Combatting technology/computer crime

A question on combatting technolog/computer crime raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose SK Lee, in the Legislative Council.

Police arrested three men under Banking Ordinance

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority referred a case to the Police that a website bearing the name of a bank purportedly offered banking services in Hong Kong. Following extensive investigations, officers of the Commercial Crime Bureau (CCB) arrested three men on suspicion of contravening sections 92, 93 and 97 of the Banking Ordinance.

Suspicious fraudulent website: www.pabbank.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert the public to a suspected internet fraud involving "Pacific Asian Bank", a website with the domain name "www.pabbank.com". The "Pacific Asian Bank" is not authorized under the Banking Ordinance to carry on banking business in Hong Kong.

Customs raids 8 firms suspected of using pirated computer software

Customs officers of the Intellectual Property Investigation Bureau raided eight companies in Wan Chai, Tsim Sha Tsui, Mong Kok, Lok Fu, Kwai Chung and Yuen Long suspected of using pirated computer software in the course of business.

Hong Kong's IT infrastructure helps ensure e-security

The Government will ensure the security of electronic transactions by constantly enhancing the information security infrastructure in Hong Kong. At the opening seminar of the Information Systems Security Association's Hong Kong Chapter, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, spoke on what the Government had done to improve e-security.

Four persons connected with e-banking fraud charged

Police charged three men and a woman in connection with e-banking fraud. Initial enquiries revealed that some customers' data of a major bank in Hong Kong had been illegally obtained and used to open 13 e-banking accounts without the victims' authorisation.

LCQ12: e-Banking Security

A question on e-banking security raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma, in the Legislative Council.

Cyber crime investigation and training seminar held

A three-day information technology (IT) investigation and training seminar for investigators and trainers in the Asia-South Pacific Region concluded on October 8 with a view to enhancing co-operation and improving capability in cyber crime investigation within the Region.

Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 comes into force next month

The Copyright (Amendment) Ordinance 2003 shall come into operation on November 28, 2003. The Ordinance, after its commencement, will remove civil and criminal liabilities pertaining to parallel importation of and subsequent dealings in most articles which have embodied in them a computer program (commonly known as computer software products). The scope of liberalisation, however, does not cover computer software products which contain a computer program but the principal attraction of which is musical sound or visual recordings, movies, television dramas, e-books, or a combination of them.

Government keen to favour beneficial applications of Internet

Addressing a symposium on "Internet Law in Hong Kong", the Secretary for Justice, Ms Elsie Leung said the Government is keen to facilitate the beneficial applications of the Internet while preventing abuses of information technology at the same time. She said the Electronic Transactions Ordinance was enacted in January 2000 to provide a clear framework to facilitate e-business, which in turn could enhance Hong Kong's competitive edge.

Government creates secure e-business environment

Speaking at the "Internet Law in Hong Kong" symposium organized by the Institution of Electrical Engineers Hong Kong, Mr Mak said the Government has built a legal framework and implemented various initiatives to establish a secure e-business environment in Hong Kong.

Suspicious fraudulent website of "East Asia Credit"

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected Internet fraud involving "East Asia Credit", a website with the domain name "www.eastasiacredit.com".

Adopt e-commerce to enhance competitiveness

The Government is committed to promoting the adoption of information technology (IT) and e-commerce to enhance competitiveness. Speaking at the "Enhancing SME's Competitiveness Through e-Commerce Adoption" symposium this morning, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said e-commerce not only brought convenience to customers, but also helped businesses expand and create opportunities.

Government committed to enhancing e-security

At the opening ceremony of the Hong Kong Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) Forum, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong, said that Government had launched a number of initiatives to enhance Hong Kong's e-security infrastructure and facilities.

Opening Speech on "The Usage of Public Key Infrastructure in e-Business"

The full text of the opening speech by the Postmaster General, Mr Allan Chiang, at the International Conference on "The Usage of Public Key Infrastructure in e-Business".

Security Tips for Email Spamming

A new topic "Email spamming" is now introduced in the Security Tips section of this website, giving you more information about what it is and how it can be managed.

Government shares experience in Smart ID Card development

The Government has utilised smart-card technology to develop a secure, multi-application Smart Identity (ID) Card for the public, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said at the 8th Annual Conference and Exhibition - Cards Australasia 2003 in Melbourne, Australia.

TV Programme - "Know more about Information Security"

A series of TV programme (in Cantonese) sponsored by the Information Technology Services Department, entitled "Know more about Information Security", will be broadcast in the TVB Jade from 24 August 2003 for 10 consecutive Sundays at 7:05 pm. The episodes help you to understand what information security refers to and how it can be assured in electronic services. You are cordially invited to watch the programme.

A new leaflet "Internet Banking - Keeping your money safe" is now available!

A new leaflet with a checklist of some practical tips and security precautions on Internet banking is now available at the website of the Hong Kong Association of Banks. This leaflet is issued by the Hong Kong Association of Banks and endorsed by the Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the Hong Kong Police Force.

Fraud Cases Involving Fake Emails or Websites

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority re-circulated to all authorized institution a circular issued on 20 May this year to reiterate the need for vigilance against potential fraud cases that make use of fake emails or websites to trick bank customers into revealing sensitive account information.

Joint efforts to promote cyber ethics among youngsters

Youngsters as well as their parents and teachers can log on to a new cyber ethics website (http://cesy.qed.hkedcity.net) which was launched on August 15 for information and guidance on ethics in using the internet. This website addresses four important issues namely legislation, ethics, psychology and IT security.

Government promotes the use of IT in community

The Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said that the Government is committed to making Hong Kong a leading digital city and has launched a series of initiatives to enhance the public's use of information technology (IT) during the opening ceremony of the 19th International Computer Expo.

Building E-government under secure e-business environment

The Government has established a secure e-business environment to help build an efficient e-government, the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, said at the 4th Info-Security Conference 2003. Mr Wong said e-security was the cornerstone for implementing e-government, which would help improve Hong Kong's quality of life and global competitiveness.

LC: Second Reading of Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill 2003

A speech by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, in moving the Second Reading of the Electronic Transactions (Amendment) Bill 2003 in the Legislative Council.

Man sentenced for offences relating to on-line game

An 18-year-old man was sentenced to 180 hours of community service for access to computer with criminal or dishonest intent and criminal damage at the North Kowloon Magistrates' Courts.

LCQ17: Complaints relating to e-banking

A question on complaints and reported crimes relating to e-banking raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Frederick Ma, in the Legislative Council.

Speech by Deputy Director of Information Technology Services at Information Security Showcase 2003

The opening address (English only) delivered by the Deputy Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Stephen Mak Hung-sung, at the Information Security Showcase 2003.

LCQ14: Regulatory measures to tackle the problem posed by junk fax and email spamming

A question on regulatory measures to tackle the problem posed by junk fax and email spamming raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council.

Internet content rating system is launched in Hong Kong

The Government and the Hong Kong Internet Service Providers Association will implement an Internet content rating system project in Hong Kong to minimise the exposure of young people and children to offensive materials on the Internet. The project adopts the rating system developed by the British Internet Content Rating Association (ICRA). Under this system, webmasters who wish to take part in the scheme on a voluntary basis will declare their website content via an online questionnaire and obtain a content label from ICRA.

A Govt Approach to Security Policies

This article talked about what the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has been doing to safeguard internal information security. (Source: Courtesy of Network Computing Asia)

A newly released animation film "Information Security Management" is now showing!

A newly released animation film, “Information Security Management” (in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles), is now showing in the Fun Area of this website! Combining educational stories and attractive animations, it is the most direct and interesting way to know more about Information Security Management.

Circular on overseas fraud cases involving fake emails or websites

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority on May 20 issued a circular to all authorized institutions to draw their attention to a number of recent fraud cases occurring overseas that have made use of fraudulent emails or websites to trick bank customers into revealing private details, such as e-banking login names and passwords.

HKPost appoints e-Cert Ambassadors

Hongkong Post is seeking to capitalize on the popularity of Miriam and Ekin, both being well-recognised icons in the local music and movie industries, to encourage Hong Kong's residents to learn more about the e-Cert.

An interesting screen saver ready for download!

A lively interesting animation screen saver is now ready for download in the Fun Area of this website, giving you the best way to protect your computer screen and to constantly remind you of the importance of Information Security. Download now!

A newly released animation film is now showing!

A newly released animation film, "Beating Computer Viruses" (in Cantonese with Chinese subtitles), is now showing in the Fun Area of this website! Combining educational stories and attractive animations, it is the most direct and interesting way to know more about Information Security and Prevention of Computer Related Crimes.

Constant vigilance ensures information security

The recent unexpected break from school is likely to see an upsurge in young people's visits to cyber space. The Information Technology Services Department's INFOSEC website is one of the most useful resources in helping parents to provide the necessary guidance to their children.

Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre

A question raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai on Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr. Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council.

Tips for Web Hoax

A hoax about Hong Kong declaring itself as an infected area due to SARS virus outbreak was spreadover the Internet recently. The Government has denied such claim remarking she has no plan and there is no need for such declaration. Some guidelines are recommended to the public on verifying the source of information and handling of hoax.

More questions and more challenges!

More questions of various difficulty levels have been added to the Quiz in the Fun Area of this website. Participants who answer all the questions correctly will win an exquisite souvenir. Act now!

Information security level in Hong Kong

A question raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai on information security level and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Henry Tang, in the Legislative Council.

Computer crimes

A question raised by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mrs Regina Ip, in the Legislative Council on computer crimes.

Ninth cycle of the ESD Scheme roving show

Members of the public can obtain information on the latest development and new services of the Electronic Service Delivery (ESD) Scheme in the ninth round of the ESD roving show that will be staged at various MTR stations from March 10. This cycle of the roving show will showcase topics covering the ESD Scheme, the new Smart Identity Card and information security.

The Government will continue to drive forward Hong Kong's information technology (IT) development by building an effective and efficient E-government.

The above remarks were made by the Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Alan Wong Chi-kong, at the "From e-Government to e-Security Conference 2003" in Hong Kong on February 26.

A question raised by the Hon Ng Leung-sing and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li, in the Legislative Council on security of computer systems in schools.

Customs detected online piracy case

A spokesman for the Customs and Excise Department reminded members of the public not to provide any pirated articles on their websites for downloading as they may commit a criminal offence under the Copyright Ordinance.

The Information Technology Services Department on January 27 reminded the public to stay alert of a computer worm called "SQL Slammer Worm" which has spread rapidly in the past few days.