Drug Safety Testing Center (DSC) Information Security Incident Statement

(Hong Kong, 13 May 2025) — The Drug Safety Testing Center (DSC) under the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP) came across an information security incident yesterday (12 May), involving a malicious ransomware attack on part of its computer system.

A spokesperson for HKSTP stated that the computer system of DSC operates independently from the system of the HKSTP, with its information security work managed by an outsourced contractor. After discovering the incident, actions were taken to enhance security measures to prevent further intrusions. The servers of DSC were immediately disconnected and isolated from the relevant system, an incident task force was activated to follow up and the case was reported to the police. The malicious attack involves the data of approximately 30 related employees and 20 customers of DSC.

According to established procedures, the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, Innovation and Technology Commission, Digital Policy Office, and the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data were notified. The testing center is closely communicating with the outsourced contractor and cybersecurity experts, and the affected organisations and individuals are notified as appropriate.

HKSTP is fully cooperating with the police investigation. The spokesperson emphasised that, as per government-established procedures, HKSTP has always been operating with information and network security as a priority. To further enhance system security, an independent third-party cybersecurity expert has been commissioned to assist with the review of the incident and remediation work, as well as to submit an investigation report.

The Drug Safety Testing Center was launched in 2022 to provide Good Laboratory Practice (GLP) preclinical services to study the safety of therapeutic solutions or medical devices.

If the public or relevant individuals receive any suspicious emails or messages claiming to be from the Drug Safety Testing Center, please call the police immediately or HKSTP for inquiries.