HONG KONG (AP) — The Hong Kong government is barring most civil servants from using popular apps like WhatsApp, WeChat and Google Drive on their work computers due to potential security risks.
The latest IT security guidelines from the Digitial Policy Office have many civil servants complaining about added inconvenience. Government workers will still be allowed to use the services from personal devices at work, and can get exceptions to the ban with approval from a manager.
Information technology experts said companies have adopted similar policies due to increasing risks of data leaks and cybersecurity challenges.
Sun Dong, Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, said on a radio program Tuesday that the ban is needed as hacking is becoming a more serious problem. He said the governments of the United States and China have also adopted stringent measures for their internal computer systems.
A civil servant surnamed Lee, who requested anonymity because she was not authorized to speak to the media, said her office often uses cloud storage services to exchange large files with vendors outside the government.
On Wednesday, the office said in a Facebook post that the policy aims to prevent potentially malicious links and attachments from bypassing security measures through encrypted messages. It suggested affected departments seek substitutes, such as allocating designated computers for using such services but cutting these devices’ connections with internal systems.
Francis Fong, the honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, said he “somewhat agreed” with the government's blanket approach, saying it could reduce cybersecurity risks. He added that it could also address issues with data breaches.
Anthony Lai, director of VX Research Limited, a cybersecurity firm based in Hong Kong and Britain, said the government’s approach is appropriate due to low cybersecurity awareness among some staff and a lack of comprehensive internal monitoring systems.
Earlier this year, data breaches at various Hong Kong government departments compromised the personal information of at least tens of thousands of people and sparked concerns.
Francis Fong, the honorary president of the Hong Kong Information Technology Federation, poses for a photo during an interview in Hong Kong, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024.(AP Photo/Kanis Leung)
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia (AP) — Twenty-two members of an Islamic business group, including its CEO, were charged Wednesday for being part of an organized crime group after hundreds of children believed to have been sexually abused were rescued last month from welfare homes linked to the group.
Nasiruddin Mohamad Ali, CEO of Global Ikhwan Services and Business Holdings, and his wife Azura Mohamad Yusof were among dozens detained last month as police investigations widened to include human trafficking and money laundering. Islamic authorities are also investigating GISB for deviant teachings linked to the banned Islamic cult Al Arqam.
Global Ikhwan was established by Al Arqam leader Ashaari Mohamad and flourished after his death in 2010. The government deemed the sect heretical and banned it in 1994.
Nasiruddin, his wife and a son of Ashaari were among the 22 charged on Wednesday. No plea was recorded from the group as the case must be transferred to a higher court, said defense lawyer Rosli Kamaruddin. But he said they will stand trial.
”They will fight the accusation and challenge it in court,” Rosli told reporters. He said he was unsure if there will be more charges. The defense plans to appeal to the Attorney-General's Chambers to reconsider their charges and challenge their current detention without trial in the high court, he added.
The suspects face up to 20 years in jail each if found guilty.
Police rescued more than 500 children from welfare homes linked to GISB last month. Some were believed to have been sodomized by their guardians, denied medical treatment and physically abused. The case sparked outrage and calls for better child protection and monitoring of childcare centers.
GISB, which aims to promote an Islamic way of life, owns mini-markets, bakeries, restaurants, pharmacies, properties and other businesses abroad. It employs some 5,000 people.
Authorities have frozen bank accounts linked to GISB. Police have said the children, whose parents are Global Ikhwan employees, were placed in welfare homes since they were infants and believed to be indoctrinated from a young age to be loyal to the group and exploited to collect public donations.
Global Ikhwan gained attention in 2011 when it formed an “Obedient Wives Club” that sparked controversy by teaching women to be “good sex workers” to keep their husbands from straying.
Nasiruddin Mohamad Ali, CEO of Global Ikhwan Services and Business, center, arrives with others members after charged for being part of an organized crime group after hundreds of children believed to have been sexually abused were rescued from welfare homes linked to the group, at the Selayang Sessions Court in the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur, Wednesday, Oct. 23, 2024. (AP Photo)
