Hong Kong consumer watchdog suspects data leak after ransomware attack
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Hong Kong's consumer watchdog, the Consumer Council, reported a suspected data leak after enduring a seven-hour ransomware attack. During the attack, about 80% of the Council's computer system was damaged, causing disruptions in services and data tools.
The breach impacted essential data of employees, clients, and approximately 8,000 CHOICE magazine subscribers. While the extent of the breach and compromised data are yet to be fully confirmed, the following personal information coild be at risk:
- addresses,
- contact numbers,
- HKID numbers,
- dates of birth,
- resumes,
- credit card details
The Council stated it won't pay the ransom demanded, estimated to be between US$500k and US$700k. They have initiated forensic investigations, informed the authorities, and are reaching out to potentially affected individuals and partners, urging caution and vigilance against suspicious links and messages.
