HK Holds Seminar on Internet Security

The Hong Kong Productivity Council (HKPC) held a seminar entitled "Hacking in the Real World" Friday.

"The seminar aims to help participants better understand how hackers operate so that effective measures could be taken against such attacks," said W. C. Keung, director of HKPC.

"The emergence of e-commerce has fundamentally changed the way business is conducted today. Using information technology (IT) to collect and process data can considerably enhance productivity, but this is only feasible under a safe and secure environment," said Keung.

According to the Hong Kong Police Force, hacking incidents grew from 13 cases in 1998 to 238 in 1999. A total of 168 cases were reported in the first six months of 2000.

"The adverse effect of hacking often goes beyond financial losses. A company that is insufficiently protected against attacks suffers loss in prestige as well. Potential clients may lose

confidence and refrain from using its services," Keung added.

Over 1,400 representatives from local companies attended the seminar, which discussed topics ranging from how a hacker gains access to a computer to one's legal right and preventive measures

against attacks.



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