Secretary for Security Ambrose Lee has expressed concern over the Police Force's suspected online data leak, and ordered all disciplined services to conduct a comprehensive review urgently to ensure information security.

He told reporters today all disciplined services must review their internal computer systems, procedures for handling confidential information and use of personal computers for office matters.

Noting there are strict guidelines on staff bringing home confidential information, Mr Lee said he does not encourage staff to handle office matters with personal computers. There could be a data-leak channel if Foxy - file-sharing software - is installed in such computers.

He stressed the force's internal computer system is secure and has not been hacked. None of the disciplined services' internal computer systems havebeen fitted with the file-sharing software, he added.

Commissioner of Police Tang King-shing says the force's computer system has been operating smoothly and securely, adding a suspected online data leak is under investigation.

Probe underway

Expressing concern over media reports on a suspected data leak today, Mr Tang said it may be caused by individual staff using personal computers. A full probe is underway.  Police will contact the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data if members of the public are involved in the case.

Mr Tang said the relevant guidelines will be reviewed, adding disciplinary action may be taken if staff do not follow the rules.

On Japan Customs' training of sniffer dogs, Mr Lee said they hid a pack of cannabis in a suitcase belonging to a Hong Kong passenger at Narita Airport last week and this has violated international customs practices.

He said Hong Kong Customs will not use passengers' bags when training sniffer dogs and has contacted Japan Customs to express concern over the case.