The widening use of the internet across different facets of life has made everything more convenient. But the associated online security risks also loom larger as a result.
The growing number of personal data breaches shows that the promotion of awareness and safeguards in this area is woefully outpaced by technological development.
Hong Kong’s Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data said it observed a clear upwards trend in incidents involving schools and non-government organisations in recent years.
Of the 157 data breach notifications it received last year, nearly 40 per cent, or 61 cases, involved such institutions. The figure represented a 1.5 times increase when compared to just 25 cases in 2022.
It would not be surprising if the trend continues, as another 51 breaches were lodged in the first three quarters of this year, accounting for one-third of the 155 total incidents so far.
In a high-profile case in March, a popular local sports club reported a large-scale leak involving the personal information of 72,000 members.
The watchdog criticised the South China Athletic Association for failing to take all practicable steps to protect members’ personal data.