Hong Kong Police’s Cyber Security and Technology Crime Bureau (CSTCB) has unveiled the CyberDefender Metaverse, an innovative platform intended to combat the surge of technology-related crimes. The announcement was made during the launch event, “Exploring the Metaverse,” which marked the bureau’s step into the Web3 realm.
The CyberDefender Metaverse is a strategic initiative designed to educate the public about the potential threats and opportunities associated with Web3 and the metaverse. This program reflects the bureau’s response to the growing number of tech crimes and the public’s need for a deeper understanding of virtual assets.
The newly launched platform includes three virtual spaces: CyberDefender City, Web3 Gallery, and an Auditorium. It has already seen substantial public interest, with over 350 visitors to the gallery and more than 120 participants, including students, teachers, and parents, during its beta testing phase.
Last year, Hong Kong reported 2,336 virtual-asset-related crimes, leading to a staggering loss of over $1.7B. The statistics for the current year show an alarming increase, with 663 reported cases and a $570M loss, reflecting a 44% and 75% rise, respectively. The authorities believe this upward trend demonstrates cybercriminals taking advantage of the public’s limited understanding of virtual assets.
Ip Cheuk-yu, the Chief Inspector of CSTCB, during his address, highlighted the potential dangers lurking within the metaverse. He underscored the need for crime prevention, stating that crimes commonly observed online, such as investment fraud, unauthorized access, theft, and even sexual offenses, could potentially infiltrate the metaverse.