Survey finds Hong Kong cybersecurity readiness unchanged in 2025

96% of Hong Kong respondents expect business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months.

Cybersecurity preparedness in Hong Kong remains alarmingly low, with just 1% of organisations reaching a “mature” level of readiness to combat today’s evolving threats, unchanged from 2024, according to Cisco’s 2025 Cybersecurity Readiness Index.

Cisco highlighted that 96% of Hong Kong respondents expect business disruptions from cyber incidents within the next 12 to 24 months.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is both a threat and a tool in the security landscape. Cisco noted that 92% of organisations experienced AI-related security incidents in the past year.

Despite this, only 36% of employees are confident in understanding AI threats, and just 32% grasp how malicious actors exploit the technology.

The report also raised concerns about "shadow AI," with 81% of organisations lacking the ability to detect unregulated AI deployments, and 74% of IT teams unaware of employee use of GenAI tools.

Meanwhile, 89% reported elevated risks from employees using unmanaged devices in hybrid work environments.

Whilst 97% of organisations plan to upgrade their IT infrastructure, only 45% allocate more than 10% of their IT budgets to cybersecurity.

Talent shortages continue to hamper progress, with 95% of respondents citing a lack of skilled cybersecurity professionals and over half reporting more than ten open roles.