Hong Kong Police Launches CyberDefender Metaverse Platform
The Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) of the Hong Kong Police Force has introduced CyberDefender, a new metaverse platform aimed at educating the public about the potential risks associated with Web3 and the metaverse, as stated in a press release on May 27.
The platform aims to equip citizens with knowledge and strategies to tackle technology-related crimes in the digital age.
To mark its launch, an event titled “Exploring the Metaverse” was held within the platform, featuring discussions on crime prevention strategies in the metaverse.
During the event, Chief Inspector Ip Cheuk-yu of the CSTCB emphasized the need for caution in the metaverse. He urged attendees to exercise the same level of vigilance as they do when using the internet, stating, “All crimes in the cyberspace could also happen in the metaverse, such as investment frauds, unauthorized access to systems, theft, and sexual offenses.”
Chief Inspector Ip also highlighted the potential risk of asset theft in the decentralized nature of virtual assets in Web3, stating that cybercriminals may target endpoints devices, virtual asset wallets, and smart contracts.
In response to a significant rise in virtual asset crime reported in Hong Kong during the first quarter of 2023, the Hong Kong Police Force plans to strengthen its educational initiatives on technology crimes, particularly targeting the younger generation.
The first quarter of 2023 saw 663 reported cases involving virtual assets, resulting in a total loss of $570 million, marking a 75% increase compared to the same period in 2022.
The police force aims to raise awareness among teenagers about the latest advancements in information technology, potential pitfalls, and the importance of preventing technology crimes.
This effort aligns with the launch of the China Metaverse Technology and Application Innovation Platform in Nanjing on May 22, led by the Nanjing University of Information Science and Technology. The platform aims to promote research and development in the metaverse across China.