The Vegetable Marketing Organization (VMO), which manages Hong Kong's Cheung Sha Wan Vegetable Wholesale Market, has suspended its systems following a cybersecurity breach detected on Monday. The organization announced on Wednesday that the suspension was implemented immediately to prevent further intrusion.
According to a government press release, the incident was reported to the police, the Hong Kong Computer Emergency Response Team Coordination Centre, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data. "Preliminary investigation indicates that the incident involves the gate and accounting systems of the Cheung Sha Wan Vegetable Wholesale Market," the statement said. "The VMO is conducting an investigation to assess whether any personal data has been leaked. The VMO will promptly notify affected individuals when necessary."
The VMO, a non-profit organization established in 1946, is responsible for managing the distribution of local vegetables to the public. When the Hong Kong Free Press checked the organization's website on Thursday, it was found to be inaccessible.
An external contractor has been engaged to assist in system restoration and in the ongoing investigation. While the breach has affected some digital operations, market activities are continuing. However, payments and invoicing are currently being processed manually, according to the press release.
In recent years, several organizations in Hong Kong have faced cybersecurity incidents, including Cyberport, the Consumer Council, and the Hong Kong Post.
Source: HKFP
