Sri Lanka has been targeted by a series of cyberattacks, impacting multiple government institutions and causing significant disruptions to their operations. The attacks affected key websites and online services, including the Sri Lanka Police Department’s official YouTube channel and the official website of the Department of Government Printing. The website of the latter was hacked, leading to unauthorized alterations of its data, raising concerns about the security of the country’s digital infrastructure.
Senior Superintendent of Police K.B. Manathunga confirmed the incidents, highlighting the vulnerability of government institutions to cyber threats. Local media reports reveal that the attacks are still under investigation by the Sri Lanka Police Department and the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT). These agencies are working to understand the scope and nature of the breaches and to mitigate any potential risks from further exploitation of the compromised systems.
The attacks on these government websites have raised alarms about the preparedness of Sri Lanka’s digital systems to handle cyber threats. SLCERT had previously issued a warning to government institutions about the vulnerability of their websites, urging them to take action to strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. This warning came just a week before the cyberattacks occurred, underscoring the urgency of addressing such vulnerabilities in the face of growing digital threats.
In response to these incidents, SLCERT has pledged to conduct a series of educational programs aimed at equipping government employees with the knowledge and tools necessary to recognize and respond to cyberattacks. These initiatives will focus on improving awareness of cybersecurity risks and ensuring that government institutions are better prepared to defend against future threats. As investigations continue, Sri Lanka’s government is likely to take further steps to bolster its digital security measures and safeguard critical infrastructure from cyber threats.
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