HK authorities promote AI cybersecurity on trams

The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) has launched two thematic trams on Hong Kong Island to boost public cybersecurity awareness.

Rolled out in partnership with the Digital Policy Office and the Hong Kong Police Force, the campaign runs from 28 August to 24 September. Functioning as "mobile cybersecurity education stations," the trams showcase winning entries from an AI-generated four-panel comic contest alongside practical anti-scam advice to help citizens navigate AI-era cyber threats.

The initiative comes as HKCERT reports a sharp rise in cyber risks. During the first half of 2026, the organisation recorded 5,305 phishing cases—a 25% year-over-year increase—accounting for 63% of all security incidents. HKCERT also logged 1,377 botnet cases and 713 malware-related incidents over the same period.

According to HKCERT, generative AI has drastically heightened attack efficiency. Cybercriminals now use AI to generate highly convincing, localised fraudulent messages, including fake bank alerts, delivery notifications, online shopping updates, and internal corporate emails. Consequently, attack vectors have shifted from system vulnerabilities to social engineering, leveraging deepfakes and fake login portals to exploit human trust.

In light of this, HKCERT will strengthen its efforts in three areas — talent development, enterprise support, and public education, to comprehensively enhance Hong Kong's cyber resilience.

As part of the initiative, HKCERT will commence recruitment for the "HKCERT capture the flag challenge 2026" in September, with the finals scheduled for January next year. The competition focuses on practical simulations and encourages participants to leverage AI for analysis and problem-solving, with the aim of identifying more cybersecurity talent and expanding Hong Kong's cybersecurity talent pool. HKCERT hopes the competition will spark younger generations' interest in cybersecurity and nurture future cybersecurity professionals.

For local businesses, HKCERT continues to operate its free, 24-hour incident response hotline while expanding its Cybersecurity Service Provider Connect Programme. Approaching its first anniversary with 25 vetted providers, the platform will introduce new features in October. These include a demand-matching tool alongside industry and price classification tags, making it easier for small and medium-sized enterprises to find affordable, tailored security solutions.

Public education efforts are also expanding across several fronts. During the upcoming Cybersecurity Awareness Week in September, HKCERT will host "Innovate with grace, peace in cyberspace" interactive game pop-up booths over two consecutive weekends, teaching citizens how to spot deepfakes and misinformation. Additionally, the public can visit the dedicated HKCERT Cybersecurity Corner at the HKPC Building or participate in training under the "AI with HKPC" initiative, which supports the government's "AI for all" campaign to promote safe digital literacy across society.

Sun Dong, secretary for innovation, technology and industry said, "As innovative technologies such as AI gradually integrate into everyday life, society is embarking on an innovation and technology journey. To ensure that this journey is steadier, and more enduring, cybersecurity is an indispensable safeguard. Maintaining cybersecurity not only protects the public and supports the day-to-day functioning of society, but also helps drive high-quality development of innovation and technology in Hong Kong.”

Mohamed Butt, executive director of the Hong Kong Productivity Council said, "As AI and other innovative technologies gradually integrate into everyday life. society is embarking on an innovation and technology (I&T) journey. To ensure that this journey is safer, more secure, and more sustainable, cybersecurity is an indispensable form of protection. Maintaining cybersecurity not only safeguards citizens and supports the day-to-day functioning of society, but also helps drive Hong Kong’s high-quality development in I&T.”

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