Editorial | Harden the line on cybersecurity attacks in Hong Kong

InvestHK has a critical strategic mission to draw and retain the foreign direct investment Hong Kong needs for economic development. So it was alarming to see the government agency among the growing list of cybercrime victims.

A thorough investigation is needed in a high-profile case that should push authorities and businesses to step up their defences.

It is good that the investment promotion body moved quickly after the February 22 ransomware attack.

Preliminary findings revealed the following day said the breach hit an internal customer relationship management system, intranet and website operations, including a contact form and events updates.

A spokesman said public services were unaffected and staff were able to help customers. Initial risk assessments indicated that basic information including client and staff details may have been exposed.

There is understandable concern about such personal information being compromised.

Last year, there were dozens of cyberattacks targeting statutory bodies and prominent companies.