Following is the transcript of remarks by the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr John Lee, at a media session at Central Government Offices, Tamar, after the Fight Crime Committee meeting this afternoon (May 23):

Reporter: Is the overall crime situation in Hong Kong worrying? And regarding the WannaCry cyber attack, are there any government departments being attacked? Is it getting worse now?

Acting Secretary for Security: First of all, the overall crime situation of Hong Kong has been improving. In the last four months, we see that the overall crime figures actually dropped by 2.5 per cent, and the drop is particularly significant in violent crimes, a drop of something like 7 per cent. The crime situation is stable, and the figures seem to be getting better. However, as I have said in my beginning remarks, there are areas where we need to continue to make efforts, such as drugs. Because drug is like virus - when we are off guard, then we will be attacked. And the involvement of juveniles in drugs and in crimes, despite figures seem to be improving, there are still areas we need to work hard.

     In regard to the WannaCry ransomware, the Police Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau is working hard on the case and is making efforts to ensure that they get the first-hand information from the counterparts overseas, including Interpol, Europol and G7 Hi-Tech Investigation Unit. It seems that the number of reports have not picked up since the first few days, but we also know that the WannaCry malware is also evolving and there is already a version two and the version three is appearing. We have held a press conference to advise the public how they can protect themselves. So it is important that you upgrade your Windows version and you get the latest virus protection software for your computer and, as much as possible, everyone should think of preparing backup copies for their files. The Police and CERT, the computer emergency response team, will continue to monitor the situation and pass information to the public as early as possible, so that everybody can get prepared and gear up to protect themselves.

(Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

Ends/Tuesday, May 23, 2017
Issued at HKT 19:47

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