Hackers target email account of University of Hong Kong vice chancellor
Attacks revealed as activities of pro-democracy academics criticised
The University of Hong Kong's vice chancellor has revealed he fell victim to hackers, who accessed his work email account several times.
Professor Peter Mathieson made the disclosure yesterday, and said the most recent case came three weeks ago.
The revelation comes at a time of intense political debate over HKU amid criticism from some in the pro-establishment camp of the activities of pro-democracy academics. It also follows numerous past cyberattacks and hacking cases revolving around the university.
"Obviously my email contains confidential material and I condemn any breach of that confidentiality, especially if it is obtained through illegal means," Mathieson told Cable TV.
He refused to speculate on who was behind the hacking, saying he had "no idea".
The revelation follows a row over the handling of donations by HKU legal academic Benny Tai Yiu-ting which was sparked when email exchanges were anonymously leaked to the media.
