Overall Cyber Incidents Surge 30%, HKCERT Warns of DDoS Attacks and Smartphone Security in 2013

The Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre (HKCERT) today (7 January 2013) urges businesses and the public to keep up their vigilance against an anticipated surge in distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attacks targeting SMEs and smartphone security incidents in 2013.

Analyzing the cyber security scene in Hong Kong, Mr S C Leung, Senior Consultant of HKCERT, said, in 2012 HKCERT handled 1,050 security incidents, up 30% from 2011. Web defacement (283 cases) and hacking (426 cases) powered the surge, with increase of 124% and 29% respectively.

He said, “For 2013, new signs of information security threats are emerging with an expected rise in DDoS attacks and advanced malware. New technologies such as the growing popular Near Field Communications (NFC) on mobile devices and Cloud Computing, while offering versatile applications, may also present new security risks.”

“IT and mobile device users should adopt relevant awareness and protection mechanisms. Organizations, especially SMEs, should conduct regular information security assessments and be ready to respond to cyber attacks. The public should also keep abreast of the latest threats associated with mobile technologies and implement proper security measures on their mobile devices,” he recommended.

Apart from issuing guidelines and organizing seminars to assist businesses and the public to brace for cyber threats, HKCERT will step up services on mobile incidents response and reporting. It will also strengthen its capability in malware and malicious apps analysis. In addition, it will enhance its coordination role in combating DDoS attacks and assist the local community to prepare for and respond to these attacks.

Reference: Security Tools for Android smart devices

Mr S C Leung, Senior Consultant of HKCERT, introduced the latest trends in cyber attacks