Police website was not hacked: SSP Manatunga

Saturday, 4 January 2025 02:15 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Says recent cyber-attack was only on its social media
Reveals cyber-attack involved foreign operatives targeting multiple entities
Assures public its new ‘eTraffic’ app prioritises data security

Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga

The Sri Lanka Police yesterday confirmed that its official website was not compromised during the recent cyber-attack on its social media accounts.

Addressing a media briefing organised by the Government Information Department, Police Media Spokesman SSP Buddhika Manatunga explained that while the Police’s YouTube, Facebook and Twitter accounts were targeted, the website remained secure. “We were able to recover all four social media accounts within four to five hours. Additional time was needed to recover the YouTube account, but the website was neither hacked nor compromised,” he said.

He said the initial investigations into the cyber attack have revealed that it was conducted from overseas targeting multiple entities. “It was not an isolated attack on Sri Lanka Police, there were similar incidents reported from India. The Police Cyber Crimes Division is conducting further investigation into the incident,” he added.

SSP Manatunga also assured the public that its new ‘eTraffic’ app prioritises data security, whilst announcing that the app will be available for download on the Play Store and Apple Store next week.

Addressing concerns raised by journalists about data security, he stressed that no private data will be entered into the app’s system. “There is only a connection through an account. The Police have no ill intention and only seek public contributions to ensure law and order. If there are any identified weaknesses, they will be addressed in future,” he assured.

Responding to surveillance concerns, SSP Manatunga said that experts were consulted during the app’s development to ensure data protection.