Continuing the journey: PwC Hong Kong’s Dark Lab sets new benchmark with CREST aligned training for cybersecurity excellence

Released: 12 June 2024

Building on its enduring commitment to cybersecurity excellence, PwC Hong Kong’s Dark Lab is delighted to announce its latest stride as an approved CREST Training Partner in Hong Kong. This development is a testament to PwC’s ongoing efforts to uplift and transform the cybersecurity capabilities within the region.

With regulatory bodies like the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) advocating for CREST certification as a gold standard qualification for independent assessments, PwC recognises the importance of promoting this certification in Hong Kong (HKMA’s C-RAF guidelines). However, the limited accessibility to quality training content has become a significant barrier to entry, resulting in a scarcity of certified talent. Currently, Hong Kong has only a double-digit number of certified professionals, while other developed countries or cities like Singapore boast over 1,000 certified technical experts.

“Continuing our journey to uplift cybersecurity standards, we firmly believe that CREST should be the gold standard in Hong Kong,” said Kok Tin Gan, PwC Hong Kong Cybersecurity and Privacy Partner. “By collaborating with CREST, we aim to address the challenges faced by the industry and bridge the gap between demand and supply of qualified professionals. Our joint training programmes will equip individuals and organisations with the necessary skills to effectively navigate the evolving cyber threat landscape.”

CREST, the non-profit global community of cyber security businesses and professionals working to keep information safe in a digital world, also expressed their enthusiasm for the collaboration. Andy Woolhead, Head of Cyber Skills and Certification at CREST said, “We are excited to partner with PwC Hong Kong to enhance the cybersecurity talent supply in the region. PwC’s Dark Lab has a strong reputation for driving innovation in the cybersecurity field, and our collaboration will facilitate the accessibility of quality training content, empowering individuals to acquire globally recognised certifications.”

In response to the demand for qualified and skilled accredited technical experts, PwC’s Dark Lab has been recognised as an approved CREST Training Partner in Hong Kong for penetration testing and threat intelligence. Through live training sessions offered at highly competitive prices, PwC aims to cater to both individuals and corporations. This joint initiative signifies the first of many anticipated collaborations designed to stimulate the ongoing growth of cybersecurity expertise in Hong Kong.

PwC’s Dark Lab, renowned for its cutting-edge research and expertise in cybersecurity, is committed to driving innovation and knowledge sharing within the industry. This collaboration with CREST represents a significant step towards cultivating a robust cybersecurity ecosystem in Hong Kong.

PwC – Globally

At PwC, our purpose is to build trust in society and solve important problems. We are a network of firms in 151 countries with over 364,000 people who are committed to delivering quality in assurance, advisory and tax services. Find out more and tell us what matters to you by visiting us at www.pwc.com.

PwC refers to the PwC network and/or one or more of its member firms, each of which is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.

PwC – Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR

PwC in Mainland China, Hong Kong SAR and Macau SAR work together on a collaborative basis, subject to local applicable laws. Collectively, we have over 900 partners and more than 25,000 people in total.

We provide organisations with the professional service they need, wherever they may be located. Our highly qualified, experienced professionals listen to different points of view to help organisations solve their business issues and identify and maximise the opportunities they seek. Our industry specialisation allows us to help co-create solutions with our clients for their sector of interest.

We are located in these cities: Beijing, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenyang, Tianjin, Dalian, Jinan, Qingdao, Zhengzhou, Xi’an, Nanjing, Hefei, Suzhou, Wuxi, Wuhan, Chengdu, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Chongqing, Changsha, Kunming, Xiamen, Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Macau, Haikou, Zhuhai, Guiyang and Xiongan.

About CREST

CREST is an international not-for-profit, representing the global cyber security industry. Its mission is to build capacity, capability, consistency and collaboration in the global cyber security industry through services that nurture, measure and enhance the performance of individuals and organisations.

CREST has accredited over 380 member companies, operating across dozens of countries, and certifies thousands of professionals worldwide. It works with governments, regulators, academia, training partners, professional bodies and other stakeholders around the world.

CREST members undergo a rigorous quality assurance process and employ competent professionals. Organisations buying their cyber security services from CREST members do so with confidence.

To find out more, visit their website at www.crest-approved.org