Government gives full support to the setting up of HKCERT/CC
12 - 07 - 2000

The Government is giving full support to the setting up of a Computer Emergency Response Team/Co-ordination Centre (CERT/CC) to enhance the territory's capacity in handling information security issues.

Addressing a seminar on Internet and Information Security today (July 12), the Acting Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Cheng Yan-chee, said the Government was fully aware of the importance of information security.

He said effective operation of the CERT/CC depended on the joint efforts of and co-operation among IT professionals, the industry, academics and the Government.

"The CERT/CC will disseminate information and provide enquiry and helpdesk services when there are information security incidents," Mr Cheng said.

The CERT/CC will maintain communications with similar organisations overseas.

It will also collect the latest information on IT security, and issue alerts on security risks to arouse public awareness of information security.

The Government tackles information security issues through the setting up of a secure infrastructure and a sound legal framework, as well as promoting public awareness of information security.

By establishing a Public Key Infrastructure, Mr Cheng said the Government aimed to set up a secure information infrastructure.

The Electronic Transactions Ordinance was enacted to allow a legal framework for the conduct of electronic transactions in Hong Kong, Mr Cheng added.

To increase public awareness of information security, the Information Technology Services Department has co-operated with various agencies in organising promotional activities such as seminars to get the message across.

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