HKMA wishes to alert the public to website: www.ifce-in-hk-macao.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a website with the domain name "www.ifce-in-hk-macao.com". The website is operated by an alleged entity, "I.F.C.E in Hong Kong Macao". The website looks similar to the official website of the HKMA (www.info.gov.hk/hkma). The HKMA wishes to clarify that it has no connection with the website, and no connection with or knowledge of "I.F.C.E in Hong Kong Macao".

Electronic messages code of practice published

The Office of the Telecommunications Authority published the Code of Practice under the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance on November 26, which serves as guidance to senders of commercial electronic messages on how sender information and unsubscribe facility statement should be presented, and the type of unsubscribe facility that should be provided, in commercial electronic messages.

Local Companies Overlook Internal Network Security

Many local companies failed to make proper provisions for endpoint security – the strategy to manage end-user devices connecting to the internal network, thereby making them vulnerable to operational disruptions and financial losses, according to a recent survey conducted by the Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC).

LCQ16: Prevent payment card fraud cases

A written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, (in the absence of Secretary for Security) to a question on Prevent payment card fraud cases by the Hon Lau Kong-wah in the Legislative Council on November 14.

Fraudulent website: www.boeasiauk.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.boeasiauk.com". The website is operated by an alleged offshore bank, "The Bank of East Asia – London Branch". The Bank of East Asia, Limited, an authorized institution in Hong Kong which operates a branch in London, has clarified that it has no connection with the suspected fraudulent website.

Fraudulent email purporting to be related to Bank of East Asia, Limited

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has alerted the public in Hong Kong to fraudulent emails sent out from the email address: onlineservice@hkbea.com. The emails ask customers of The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA) to provide their personal particulars and account information. BEA has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent emails.

HKMA warns of suspected fraudulent website: www.bochkvip.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert the public to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name www.bochkvip.com. The Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK) has clarified that it has no connection with the suspected fraudulent website and has reported the case to the Hong Kong Police for further investigation.

Ordinance to control spam problem fully implements this December

The Government gazetted the commencement notice to implement the second phase of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance (UEMO) on October 26, as well as the supporting Unsolicited Electronic Messages Regulation, on December 22, 2007.

Suspected Fraudulent Website: www.cathayunitedbank.fr.cx/

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.cathayunitedbank.fr.cx/". The Cathay United Bank Company Limited ("Cathay United Bank") has clarified that it has no connection with the suspected fraudulent website.

Suspected Fraudulent Website: www.unionchinaa.net

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has alerted people in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.unionchinaa.net". The website looks similar to the official website of Bank of Communications Co. Ltd., Hong Kong Branch.

Suspected fraudulent website www.bchk.cn

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has alerted people in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.bchk.cn". The website looks similar to the official website of Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited (BOCHK).

Suspected Fraudulent Website "www.guoco.net.cn"

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.guoco.net.cn". The website looks similar to the official website of Guoco Group Limited and contains a link to Hong Leong Bank Berhad, Hong Kong Branch (Hong Leong Bank), one of its group companies. The Guoco Group has clarified that it has no connection with the suspected fraudulent website.

(ISC)²® Launches Free Online Cyber Security Awareness Resource Center

(ISC)²® ("ISC-squared") announced the launch of its online Cyber Security Awareness Resource Center in support of U.S. National Cyber Security Awareness Month this October and other awareness initiatives around the globe. A Chinese version of security awareness brochure for teenagers titled "A Safety Guide for World Wide Websters" is now available to help educate end users about security best practices.

Investigation Report : Collection of Personal Data for Promotional Purpose

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Mr. Roderick B. Woo published a report on a self-initiated investigation in which a credit company was found collecting excessive personal data from the public in a promotional activity on 21 September.

Appointments to Personal Data (Privacy) Advisory Committee announced

The Government announced the new term of membership to the Personal Data (Privacy) Advisory Committee on September 21with effect from October 1.

Opening Address by Mr. John Wong, Assistant Government Chief Information Officer At the IT Management Showcase

Mr. John Wong, Assistant Government Chief Information Officer, delivered the Opening Address for the IT Management Showcase and shared his experience on information security.

"Privacy is Your Business" Prize Presentation Ceremony

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr. Roderick B Woo, announced at the prize presentation ceremony of the "Privacy is your business" international writing competition that Miss Yeung Kuen, a student at the Precious Blood Secondary School, has won the second place of the regional prize of the competition. Miss Yeung is also the winner of the competition in the Hong Kong and Macau.

PCPD held public seminar on "Creative Thinking and Blog Writing Skills"

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data held a public seminar on "Creative Thinking and Blog Writing Skills" to deliver the message on the importance of protecting and respecting privacy to the youth on 29 August.

Privacy Commissioner publishes guidance note on collection of fingerprint data

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr. Roderick B. Woo published a new guidance note, titled "Personal Data Privacy: Guidance on Collection of Fingerprint Data" on 28 August. The Guidance Note provides relevant requirements of the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance as a useful reference for data users in their consideration of fingerprint collection.

Seminar on Protection of Online Personal Data

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data held a seminar, titled "Protection of Online Personal Data" on 27 August, aiming at raising the awareness of protection of online personal data of data users.

Privacy Commissioner Launches Privacy Awareness Week

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr. Roderick B Woo, is pleased to launch the Privacy Awareness Week 2007 together with the Australian Privacy Commissioner on 26 August, the New Zealand Privacy Commissioner, and the Privacy Commissioners of the Australian States of the Northern Territory, New South Wales and Victoria.

Opinion Survey: Attitudes of Young People towards Disclosure of Personal Data on the Internet

A survey of the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data found that more than half of the respondents (55.3%) who wrote blogs or personal webpages had disclosed their personal data in blogs or personal webpages. Although 62% of them worried that disclosure of personal data on the Internet would bring about privacy issues, only 48% had adopted online security measures to safeguard their personal data.

Fraud cases relating to lottery claims

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public to recent fraud cases where victims were informed by fraudsters, who claimed to be an HKMA staff, by phone (sometimes with caller display showing the numbers "085228788196"), that they have won a lottery and would be paid a large sum of money. They were told to deposit an advance fee into a designated bank account before the lottery money would be remitted from the HKMA.

Fraudulent website: www.zabugor.org/
modules/li.htm

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert people in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.zabugor.org/modules/li.htm". The website looks similar to the official website of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC). HSBC has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Suspected fraudulent website: www.hsbccom.hk

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.hsbccom.hk". The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited (HSBC) has clarified that it has no connection with the suspected fraudulent website.

Eight caught for e-auction fraud

Police arrested five men and three women in an operation against illegal online auction activities. The proceeds of crime amounts to about HK$5 million on July 26.

Suspected fraudulent website: www.bea-london.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.bea-london.com". The website is operated by an alleged offshore bank, "The Bank of East Asia – London". The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA), an authorized institution in Hong Kong which operates a branch in London, has clarified that it has no connection with the suspected fraudulent website.

PCPD implemented information security enhancement measures

Members of the Legislative Council Panel on Information Technology and Broadcasting (the Panel) held a meeting on 9 July 2007 to discuss the information security status of public organisations and the information security protection measures pursued by the Government in the wake of information security incidents.

LCQ9: Protection of personal data

A question by the Hon Albert Ho and a written rely by the Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam, in the Legislative Council on July 4.

(ISC)²® Announces Honourees for First AsiaPacific Information Security Leadership Achievements Programme

(ISC)²®, the non-profit global leader in educating and certifying information security professionals throughout their careers on 3 July 2007 announced the honourees for its inaugural Asia-Pacific Information Security Leadership Achievements (ISLA) programme. Please refer to the press release (in PDF format) for details.

LCQ16: Posting hyperlinks on Internet forum

A question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee (in the absence of the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology), in the Legislative Council on June 20.

Fraud cases relating to lottery claims 

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public to recent fraud cases where victims were informed by fraudsters that they have won a lottery and would be paid a large sum of money. They were told to deposit an advance fee into a designated bank account before the lottery money would be remitted from the "Hong Kong & Macau Monetary Authority".

LCQ15: Technology crimes

A written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Ambrose S K Lee, to a question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai on Internet or computer-related crimes in the Legislative Council on June 6.

Fraudulent website: intranet.cinetecanacional.net/
images/banners/hsbc/
index.html

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has alerted the public in Hong Kong about a fraudulent website with the domain name "intranet.cinetecanacional.net/images/
banners/hsbc/index.html". The website looks similar to the official website of The Hongkong and Shanghai Banking Corporation Limited. HSBC has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

LCQ14: Legal liabilities for publishing information on Internet

A question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Stephen Lam (in the absence of Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology), in the Legislative Council on May 30.

New Ordinance to control spam problem (with video)

The new Unsolicited Electronic Messages Ordinance, to be published in the Gazette on June 1 will be implemented in two phases to regulate the sending of commercial electronic messages.

Fraudulent website: www.boeauk.info

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.boeauk.info". The website looks similar to the official website of The Bank of East Asia, Limited (BEA). BEA has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

23 May 2007 LC: Speech of SCIT in resuming the second reading debate of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Bill (Chinese Only)

Speech of SCIT in resuming the second reading debate of the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Bill in the Legislative Council on May 23. More information can be found at:

http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200705/23/P200705230223.htm
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200705/23/P200705230232.htm
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200705/23/P200705230233.htm
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200705/23/P200705230238.htm
http://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/200705/23/P200705230267.htm

LCQ3: Information security of wireless network

A question by the Hon Tsang Yok-sing and a reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council on May 23.

Man in first BT Internet piracy case jailed after appeal dismissed

The Court of Final Appeal dismissed the appeal of an appellant, who had been convicted and sentenced to three months' jail for uploading infringing movies to the Internet by using the BitTorrent peer-to-peer file-sharing program on May 18.

Fraudulent email purporting to be related to China Merchants Bank Co Ltd.

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to fraudulent emails sent out from the following email addresses: 95555@cmbchina.com or 95599@cmbchina.com. The emails ask customers of China Merchants Bank Co Ltd. to provide their personal particulars and account information. China Merchants Bank Co. Ltd, Hong Kong Branch has clarified that CMB has no connection with the fraudulent emails.

(ISC)²® to Increase Requirements for CISSP® Credential

(ISC)²® ("ISC-squared") announced its board of directors has approved new professional experience and endorsement requirements for the Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP®) certification. Read the press release  for details.

Man sentenced for publishing of obscene articles

A 48-year-old local man was convicted of publishing of obscene articles and sentenced to a $5,000 fine at the Kwun Tong Magistrates' Courts on May 10.

LCQ15: Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team

A question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Economic Development and Labour, Mr Stephen Ip, in the Legislative Council on May 9.

(ISC)²® Accepting Nominations for First AsiaPacific Information Security Leadership Achievements Programme

(ISC)²® ("ISC-squared"), the non-profit global leader in educating and certifying information security professionals throughout their careers, announced its inaugural Asia-Pacific Information Security Leadership Achievements (ISLA) programme is now open for nominations. The ISLA recognises professionals advancing IT security workforce in Asia-Pacific. Please refer to the press release   for more information.

LCQ13: Privacy protection

A question by the Hon Emily Lau and a written reply by the Secretary for Education and Manpower, Professor Arthur K C Li at the Legislative Council meeting on May 2.

Public consultation on copyright protection ends soon

The Government invited the public, including internet users, copyright owners and service providers on April 24, to give their views on copyright protection in the digital environment before the current consultation exercise on the issue ends on April 30.

Suspected fraudulent website: www.commercial
generalhk.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.commercialgeneralhk.com". The website is operated by an alleged "Commercial General Bank Hong Kong", which claims that it offers various banking services to members of the public in Hong Kong.

LCQ14:Pilot scheme for opening up IP in government IT systems

A question by the Hon Sin Chung-kai and a written reply by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph W P Wong, in the Legislative Council on April 18.

Privacy Commissioner completed preliminary inquiry into IPD incident

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data Mr. Roderick B. Woo has completed an inquiry into the allegation that personal data related to trademark registration were wrongfully disclosed through the Intellectual Property Department's website.

Suspected fraudulent website: www.hongkongtransfer.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has alerted the public in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.hongkongtransfer.com". The website is operated by an alleged "City Corresponding Commercial Bank of Hong Kong", which claims that it offers various banking services to members of the public in Hong Kong.

Fraudulent website: www.onlinedatastore.info/
standardchartered/index.htm

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.onlinedatastore.info/standardchartered/index.htm". The website looks similar to the official website of Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited. Standard Chartered Bank (Hong Kong) Limited has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Seminar strengthens intellectual property exchange

A seminar targeting small and medium enterprises in Guangdong Province was held in Zhuhai to strengthen the exchange on intellectual property matters between Guangdong and Hong Kong on April 3.

Privacy Commissioner Probes into IPD Data Disclosure

The Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data, Mr. Roderick Woo, has taken prompt action to probe into the alleged incident of wrongful disclosure of personal data on the Intellectual Property Department’s (IPD) website.

Press statement by Director of Intellectual Property

In response to media enquiries concerning personal and commercial information provided by people seeking to oppose trademark registration being published on the Internet, the Director of Intellectual Property, Mr Stephen Selby made a statement on April 1.

Speech by SCIT at copyright infringement forum (chinese only)

The speech by the Secretary for Commerce, Industry and Technology, Mr Joseph WP Wong, at copyright infringement forum on March 30.

Fraudulent website: www.barhk.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.barhk.com". The website looks similar to the official website of Barclays Bank Plc. Barclays Bank Plc has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Seminar on "Protecting Personal Data in the Electronic Media"

The Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data organized a public seminar on "Protecting Personal Data in the Electronic Media" on 26 March aimed at raising privacy awareness among IT professionals.

Fraudulent Emails purporting to be related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public to reports of certain fraudulent emails purporting to be issued by a senior executive of Dah Sing Bank, Limited. Typically, recipients of these emails were invited to participate in a fraudulent scheme to share an estate (of about US$35 million) of a deceased person and further details would be provided upon the response of the recipients.

Suspected fraudulent website: www.unionchina.net

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert people in Hong Kong to a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.unionchina.net". The website is operated by an alleged "Union Bank of China", which claims that it offers various banking services to people in Hong Kong.

Fraudulent website: www.feednova.com/feeds
/..http:/www.hangseng.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.feednova.com/feeds/..http:/www.hangseng.com". The website looks similar to the official website of Hang Seng Bank Limited ("Hang Seng Bank"). Hang Seng Bank has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Piracy syndicate smashed by HK Customs

Hong Kong Customs smashed a syndicate actively involved in pirated optical disks (PODs) peddling activities in Kwun Tong in a large-scale operation code-named "Touchdown" conducted on February 14 and 15 after a-year-long investigation.

Internet Security Software - CHOICE # 364

To empower computer users in the application of internet security software, the Consumer Council has put to test a total of 18 samples - 2 firewalls, 3 anti-virus software and 13 internet security suites. Among these products, 2 firewall and 2 anti-virus software are freeware that can be downloaded from the homepage of the software developers.

Online Banking - CHOICE # 364

The Consumer Council has conducted a survey on 20 banks to examine the issues of transparency of terms and conditions governing online banking service, and consumer rights in these transactions. 17 of the banks responded to the questionnaire survey. The result is most revealing in pointing to the question of consumers' recourse to compensation for loss if things go wrong.

Fourth IPD Open Day launched

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) showcased their achievements in exploiting intellectual property at an Intellectual Property Department Open Day with the theme of "Intellectual Property - A key to Enterprise Wealth Creation" on February 8.

Fraudulent telephone banking system purporting to be related to Dah Sing Bank, Limited

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a telephone number (6527 5598) of a fraudulent voice response unit (VRU) which asks customers of Dah Sing Bank, Limited (DSB) to register their account number and related personal identification number. DSB has issued a press release to clarify that DSB, the Dah Sing Financial Group and its subsidiaries have no connection with the fraudulent VRU on February 5.

Fraudulent website: www.icbcservice.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has alerted the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.icbcservice.com/eng/index.shtml.
htm". The website looks similar to the official website of Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Asia) Limited (ICBC (Asia)). ICBC (Asia) has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Copyright protection discussion forum webcast live

The Government will hold a public discussion forum on February 3, particularly for young people, to express views on issues related to copyright protection in the digital environment. The Administration released a public consultation document on the subject in December, 2006.

HKPC Collaborates with Microsoft and Industry Partners to Develop Intellectual Property Management System

The Hong Kong Productivity Council signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Microsoft (Hong Kong) Limited, Print-Rite Holdings Limited and Smart.net (Hong Kong) Limited to collaborate in the development of the Intellectual Property Management System (IPMS) on 29 January 2007.

Fraudulent website: www.fubonhk.com

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.fubonhk.com". The website looks similar to the official website of Fubon Bank (Hong Kong) Limited (Fubon Bank). Fubon Bank has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Suspected fraudulent website: www.ceb-hk.org

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert people in Hong Kong about a suspected fraudulent website with the domain name "www.ceb-hk.org". The website is operated by an alleged "Commercial Express Bank Hong Kong", which claims that it offers various banking services to people in Hong Kong.

Music Download

The music industry is urged to design and introduce a standard marking to help consumers differentiate between legal and unauthorised music downloads. The Government is currently consulting the public on the proposed amendment of the copyright law. One suggestion in the consultation paper is to impose criminal liability to unauthorised downloading activities.

Fraudulent website: www.citi.com.globalportal.id
6991258852.fidof.biz/app

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to a fraudulent website with the domain name "www.citi.com.globalportal.id6991258852.fidof.biz/app". The website looks similar to the official website of Citibank. Citibank has clarified that it has no connection with the fraudulent website.

Customs cracks 12 cases in Toys Fair under Fast Action Scheme

Under the "Fast Action Scheme", Customs officers cracked a total of 12 cases, leading to the seizure of about $9,400 worth of copyright infringing toys and the arrest of 13 people at the four-day "Hong Kong Toys and Games Fair 2007", which ended on January 11.

Fraudulent website  

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority wishes to alert members of the public in Hong Kong to an email purporting to be sent from Bank of China (Hong Kong) Limited. The email requests customers to use an embedded hyperlink (for example, www.bankofchina.com.hk/update) to connect to a fraudulent website and verify their account information by entering their Internet banking account's user name and password. The fraudulent website looks similar to the bank's Internet banking logon webpage.