Data Breach Exposes Personal Information of Hong Kong Fire Department Personnel and Residents

The Fire Services Department in Hong Kong has been hit with a major data breach, exposing the personal information of over 5,000 department personnel and hundreds of residents. This incident marks the third data security breach involving the government in less than a week.

The breach was caused by an unauthorized alteration of access rights during a data migration procedure by an outsourced contractor. While there is no evidence that the data was released, the breach compromised the personal information of individuals who reported tree collapse incidents during Super Typhoon Saola last September.

The affected data includes surnames, telephone numbers, and ranks of FSD staff, with 960 personnel having their incomplete identity card numbers exposed. The FSD has suspended the system and is working with the contractor to investigate the incident and enhance protective measures.

This breach follows similar incidents involving the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department and the Companies Registry. Lawmaker Elizabeth Quat has called for improved data security measures and accountability within the government to prevent future breaches.

The city’s privacy watchdog has reported a significant increase in data breach notifications, highlighting the importance of strengthening data protection measures. The FSD’s breach serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in safeguarding personal information in the digital age.