Hong Kong govt launches staff security awareness program
Hong Kong govt launches staff security awareness program
By Computerworld Hong Kong Staff | May 5, 2009
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PrintAfter numerous data leakage incidents, the Office of the Government Chief Information Officer (OGCIO) organized last week a conference entitled 'Stop data leakage' for government employees.
From last year onward, there were more than 14 data leakage cases involving different government departments and organizations such as the police, Fire Services Department, Immigration Department, and hospitals managed by the Hospital Authority.
According to the government in a statement, more than 250 staffers including a number of senior bureau and department employees attended the event, which was one of the key activities under the government staff communication program to reinforce information security.
The year-long communication program is aimed to address the needs of different groups of government staff, the government said, adding that activities include thematic conferences, publications, training, quizzes, promotion videos, best practices forum, seminars, and showcases.
The program is expected to help government staff build and sustain a high level of awareness, working knowledge and good practices, and a commitment to safeguarding sensitive and personal data, the government said.
"The Government takes information security and the need to protect personal data extremely seriously. Security breaches are very costly. For data leakage cases, it causes anxiety to those whose information is being leaked, it necessitates the recovery cost and it also demands substantial effort to rebuild trust," said Jeremy Godfrey, the Government CIO.
He told participants of last week's conference that the success of improving data protection relied on staff complying with the information security requirement. "Information security needs the attention and support by every member of the Government. In this regard, we have accorded high priority to help staff to acquire the knowledge and understanding of data security measures and the need to adopt suitable security mechanisms," he said.
