Using digital services offers many conveniences, but it also comes with giving up some of your privacy. We gladly provide personal information when you make an online purchase, use a public service, or order at a restaurant.
However, this puts you at increased risk of your data being leaked, hacked, or misused.
Hong Kong’s privacy watchdog revealed that reports of data breaches increased by 50% last year, rising from 105 to 157 in 2022. This includes 64 hacking reports. That’s cause for concern.
This increase can be attributed, in part, to the Privacy Commissioner’s efforts to raise awareness of the issue.
However, cyber-attacks are on the rise around the world, and Hong Kong has seen a spate of alarming data breaches, including phishing and ransomware.
“More data security training needed as Hong Kong continues to experience breaches”
“More data security training needed as Hong Kong continues to experience breaches”
There were breaches involving the Department of Social Welfare, the Consumer Council, Cyberport, Hong Kong Ballet, Hong Kong Post and the popular online marketplace Carousel.
There is a lack of awareness among businesses about the measures needed to protect their data. A study released in November found that 73% of companies surveyed had experienced a cybersecurity attack in the past year.
However, overall preparedness declined and staff awareness remained low.
The privacy watchdog has launched a thematic website on data security with a self-assessment tool for businesses to check the adequacy of their data security measures.
A data security hotline has also been established. But as the watchdog acknowledges, more needs to be done.
Businesses need to be fully aware that they have a responsibility to ensure the data they use is secure, provide appropriate training to their employees, regularly review their systems, and delete data when necessary. .
It is also necessary to raise public awareness. A privacy watchdog report on restaurants that allow customers to order food digitally through an app or her QR code has raised concerns.
There was evidence that these apps were used for activity tracking and direct marketing, and watchdogs warned that QR codes could be tampered with, putting personal data at risk.
Consumers need to be more aware of the risks, review what personal data is collected, limit the information they provide, and consider their permissions for the use of their personal information. It’s easy to forget this when you’re trying to order food.
Advances in digital technology have changed our lives and made access to services much easier. But this also increases the likelihood that our personal information will be leaked, hacked, and misused.
Those using data and those providing data need to be more careful.
