Technology minister Sun Dong said on Friday that everyone in Hong Kong has a role to play in ensuring cybersecurity.

Sun made the comment at a forum marking this year's Cybersecurity Awareness Campaign, which runs alongside the annual China Cybersecurity Week.

He said officials are working with public and private organisations to build a comprehensive cybersecurity network, and members of the public should also be involved.

"As the application of innovative technology spreads, such as the digitalisation of government services, the development of a smart city and the digital Bay Area, societal demands for a safe online environment will increase. We must increase people's awareness of cybersecurity and build a cybersecurity defence line together, to protect our information systems and data from cyber attacks," he said.

Sun added that the Digital Policy Office has been working with industry experts in strengthening defence and resilience capabilities against cyber attacks among different sectors, such as by providing free-of-charge cybersecurity services, setting up training platforms, and promoting a partnership programme to share information.

The office will also hold the city's first real-life cybersecurity attack and defence drill in November, aiming to increase the cybersecurity protection and emergency response capability of the government and local organisations.