Beyond the Firewall: Why Your Team is Your Strongest Cyber Defence in Hong Kong

A recent thematic review by the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) of Hong Kong highlighted that even substantial investment in cybersecurity technology is not enough to protect organisations. The review of licensed corporations’ compliance with cybersecurity guidelines revealed material breaches, including overreliance on third-party vendors and deviations from documented procedures during incidents. This demonstrates that your people and their preparedness are just as crucial as your technology stack (SFC Cybersecurity Review 2023/24). 

Cyber threats are escalating across Hong Kong. The Hong Kong Police Force Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) reported handling over 12,500 cybersecurity incidents in 2024, emphasising the need for proactive preparedness and internal readiness (Hong Kong Police Cybersecurity Report 2024). 

This isn’t just about sophisticated hackers; it’s about what happens when a crisis occurs. Imagine having a detailed emergency plan for a fire, but when the fire starts, no one remembers where the extinguishers are, or they wait for an external brigade to tell them what to do. That scenario mirrors cybersecurity breaches in organisations that lack internal readiness. A timely and aligned internal response could significantly limit the impact. 

The Missing Piece: Human-Centric Cybersecurity 

• Preparation is Paramount, Practice is Power – Having incident response plans is only the first step. Are your teams trained to use them under pressure? Regular drills, simulations, and refresher courses are vital to ensure procedures become second nature. 
• Empower Your Internal Team – External experts are valuable, but overreliance can slow critical responses. Internal teams need the knowledge, confidence, and authority to act immediately in line with protocols. 
• Adherence to Procedures is Non-Negotiable – Deviating from established procedures during a cyber incident can magnify risks. Thorough training and a culture that reinforces protocol adherence are essential. These findings align with guidance from the SFC Circular on Cybersecurity Review of Licensed Corporations (SFC Circular). 

Building a Resilient Digital Fortress 

Cybersecurity in Hong Kong, particularly in finance, professional services, and technology sectors, requires a holistic approach: 

• Robust Cybersecurity Training – Regular, role-specific training for all staff on identifying threats, understanding protocols, and executing incident response (International Network of Privacy Law Professionals). 
• Effective Incident Response Planning – Clear, actionable plans where everyone knows their responsibilities. 
• A Culture of Cyber Awareness – Cybersecurity must be everyone’s responsibility, not just IT’s. 

Don’t wait for a breach to reveal gaps in your human defences. Proactive, ongoing cybersecurity training is not an expense; it’s an investment in your organisation’s resilience. 

Next Steps 

Explore our Cybersecurity Training or contact us to discuss tailored solutions for your team.