Hong Kong Police Warn Young Hackers of Consequences

As the holiday season unfolds in Hong Kong, young computer enthusiasts who engage in unauthorized hacking activities are being warned by the Hong Kong Police of the serious consequences they may face. A recent Christmas message from the Commercial Crime Bureau highlights the potential harm caused by hacking and the possibility of up to 10 years in prison for those found guilty. The Police are targeting young students, who are often driven by curiosity or a desire to impress their peers, but must be aware that their actions can lead to severe punishment.

Key Takeaways:

• A 19-year-old Hong Kong computer hacker was sentenced to six months in a detention center for causing a local Internet service provider to crash.
• The Commercial Crime Bureau warned hackers that they could face up to 10 years in prison for causing criminal damage to a computer system or website.
• The majority of hacking cases involve young students who are simply showing off their skills to their peers, according to Senior Superintendent Raymond Lau Chi-keung.
• Most young hackers do not intend to commit a crime, but their actions can still result in severe punishment.
• The Hong Kong Police are targeting young students with their warning message.
• Young hackers often engage in hacking activities as a way to get back at someone who has upset them or simply out of curiosity.

Statistics:

• 19-year-old Hong Kong computer hacker sentenced to six months in detention center (Hong Kong Eastern Court).
• Up to 10 years in prison for causing criminal damage to a computer system or website (Commercial Crime Bureau).
• Most hacking cases involve young students (Senior Superintendent Raymond Lau Chi-keung).

Sources:

• Newsbytes.com, http://www.newsbytes.com (no specific date provided).