Information security important to computer users
16 - 11 - 2000

Computer users are urged to be aware of the latest development of information security and take necessary measures to protect their computers in a seminar held today (November 16).

The Information Technology Services Department (ITSD), Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) and Hong Kong Computer Society today jointly organised a seminar to introduce to the participants the latest trend and development of information security.

Information security is important because security violation can lead to disclosure of personal particulars, tampering of data and abuse of resources, or even causing real damage or financial loss.

The Government fully recognises the importance of information security.

Apart from ensuring the security of its information infrastructure, the Government has also taken various promotional measures to enhance the public's awareness and knowledge on information security.

Speaking in the opening ceremony of the seminar today, the Acting Director of Information Technology Services, Mr Cheng Yan-chee said,"As part of our continuous efforts in enhancing the public's knowledge on information security, we will join hands with other organisations to organise a number of seminars on information security in this fiscal year."

"We will also render assistance in facilitating the establishment of a Computer Emergency Response Team in Hong Kong this fiscal year to provide support services to the private sector and the public.

"ITSD also closely monitors the latest development of information security issues both locally and internationally, and formulates guidelines correspondingly to enhance its capability in handling such incidents," he said.

Computer users may obtain those information security guidelines which are available at the InfoSec web site (http://www.infosec.gov.hk).

To enhance the public's knowledge on computer virus, ITSD has uploaded onto ITSD web site (http://www.infosec.gov.hk/english/virus/vanti.html) the latest information on computer virus and some trial copies of anti-virus utilities for public reference and free downloading.

ITSD has also produced publicity leaflets containing information on effective and proper computing practices to guard against computer viruses and to keep computers secure respectively for free public collection.

The leaflets are also available on the ITSD web site (http://www.itsd.gov.hk/itsd/eng/pubpress/epubdoc.htm) for public reference and free downloading.

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