Hong Kong Laureate Forum impacted by ransomware
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On September 29, 2023, the Hong Kong Laureate Forum, a collaborator with the Shaw Prize, reported that they are a victim to a ransomware attack, resulting in the encryption of their computer server.
Approximately 550 individuals were significantly impacted by this event, compromising their professional documents and personal data, such as names and email addresses.
The forum's secretariat promptly alerted the authorities, including the police and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. They have initiated measures to inform the affected individuals by employing email and SMS messages.
In-depth investigations conducted by their information technology service provider revealed that the breach transpired on the night of September 26, around 10 p.m. The attackers did not disclose a specific ransom amount but instructed the forum to establish contact within 24 hours and comply with their further directions, which involved procuring Bitcoin.
