Due to potential security threats, the Hong Kong government has banned the majority of its civil employees from using well-known apps like WhatsApp, Twitter, and Google Drive on their operate computers. Numerous civil servants are complaining about additional pain following the most recent IT security instructions from the Digitial Policy Office.
Government employees can also request exceptions to the ban with the approval of a manager, and they will still be able to use the services at work using individual devices.
According to information technology professionals, businesses have followed similar policies as a result of rising security challenges and data leak risks.
Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said on a television programme Tuesday that the restrictions is needed as phishing is becoming a more serious trouble. He claimed that both the US and China’s domestic computer systems have been subject to stringent security measures.
A civil servant by the name of Lee, who requested secrecy because she was not authorized to speak to the media, claimed that her company frequently uses cloud storage services to transfer huge files with businesses outside the state.
The company stated in a Twitter post on Wednesday that the plan aims to stop encrypted communications from obstructing security measures. It advised the affected ministries to look for alternatives, such as allowing designated computers to be used for such service but limiting the internal systems ‘ links to these products.
Francis Fong, the honorary chairman of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, said he” fairly agreed” with the government’s cover approach, saying it may reduce security risks. He added that it could even solve security concerns.
Due to the lack of extensive inside monitoring systems and a low level of security consciousness among some staff, Anthony Lai, chairman of VX Research Limited, a cybersecurity firm with headquarters in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, said the government’s approach is appropriate.
Data breaches at several Hong Kong government ministries earlier this year uncovered concerns about the privacy of at least tens of thousands of people.
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