Hong Kong Government Bans WhatsApp and Google Drive on Official Computers
The Hong Kong government prohibits civil servants from using WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive on work computers. Employees can still use these services on their personal devices with manager approval. The ban is intended to prevent security risks and data leaks following data breaches in government departments.
The decision, outlined in the Digital Policy Office's most recent IT security guidelines, is intended to mitigate potential security risks. While this directive has caused inconvenience for civil servants, they are still permitted to use these services on personal devices at work, subject to manager approval for exceptions.
According to information technology experts, the growing risk of data breaches and cybersecurity challenges has prompted many businesses to adopt similar policies. Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology, and Industry, emphasised the importance of the ban, citing the escalating threat from hackers. He pointed out that both the United States and China have implemented stringent security measures to protect their internal computer systems.
One civil servant, who preferred to remain anonymous, revealed that her office frequently uses cloud storage services to exchange large files with external vendors. The government's rationale for the ban was expanded upon in a Facebook post by the office, which stated that the policy aims to prevent potentially malicious links and attachments from circumventing security measures via encrypted messages. It suggested that affected departments consider alternative solutions, such as designating specific computers for such services while disconnecting them from internal systems.
Francis Fong, honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, expressed some support for the government's comprehensive approach, believing it could help reduce cybersecurity risks and address data breach concerns. Anthony Lai, director of VX Research Limited, a cybersecurity firm based in Hong Kong and the United Kingdom, supported the government's decision, citing low cybersecurity awareness among some employees and a lack of robust internal monitoring systems.
Earlier this year, data breaches in several Hong Kong government departments exposed the personal information of tens of thousands of people, raising serious concerns about data security and privacy.
Hong Kong government bars civil servants from using WhatsApp, WeChat, and Google Drive on work computers.
Employees can still access these services on personal devices with manager approval.
The ban aims to prevent security risks and data leaks, following data breaches in government departments.
Source: AP NEWS