The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has reported a cyber attack on the official website of the Education Ministry, which has been traced back to a local internet connection within Sri Lanka. This incident, confirmed by SLCERT Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola, has prompted an in-depth investigation into the security breach. The findings from this investigation have been forwarded to the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to assist in further analysis and response measures.
According to Damunupola, the attack occurred on April 5, and efforts are currently underway to restore the affected website. He assured that the restoration process is progressing swiftly and expressed confidence that the website would be fully operational within the next two days. This quick recovery highlights the responsive capabilities of the Sri Lankan authorities in managing and mitigating cyber threats effectively.
In response to the confirmation that the attack originated from a local source, SLCERT has reached out to various internet service providers for assistance in identifying the perpetrator. Discussions with the Telecommunications Regulatory Commission of Sri Lanka are also taking place to strengthen oversight and prevent such incidents in the future. These steps signify a coordinated effort among multiple regulatory bodies to address and reinforce cybersecurity measures across national digital infrastructures.
This incident underlines the ongoing challenges faced by governmental bodies in safeguarding their cyber environments against internal threats. The proactive measures taken by SLCERT and other involved agencies demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a secure and trustworthy digital space for governmental operations. As cybersecurity threats become increasingly sophisticated, continuous improvements and collaborations among cybersecurity entities and regulatory bodies will be crucial for national security.
