SLCERT restores three Govt. websites after cyber-attack

• Health Ministry website among sites briefly affected
• Notices repeat cyber-attacks targeting Govt. websites during remembrance month of May
• SLCERT chief urges public to report and be vigilant on cyber-attacks, cyber-crimes, cyberbullying 
• Expert opines Govt. to make cyber-security a policy priority

By Asiri Fernando

Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) yesterday confirmed it restored operation of three Government websites that were defaced in a cyber-attack yesterday.

The official website of the Ministry of Health was one of the sites which were briefly affected by the cyber-attack.

Last week, SLCERT warned State institutions that maintain websites and offer web-based services to be vigilant against such attacks by extremist groups.

Sri Lanka has seen repeated cyber-attacks targeting Government websites by Pro-Eelamist and other extremist groups over the years, in particular during the month of May, which is celebrated by the Government to mark the end of the conflict against the LTTE in 2009.

“The National Cyber Security Operations Center, based at Air Force Headquarters, works around the clock to monitor cyber threats to the Government’s digital infrastructure and works closely with SLCERT and the Sri Lanka Police in combating cybercrime,” SLCERT CEO Air Commander (Retd.) Jayasiri Amarasena told Daily FT.

He urged the public to be vigilant on cyber-attacks and cyber-crimes, whilst requesting the public to promptly report any suspicious activity to SLCERT. 

Amarasena also requested the public to report any acts of cyber-bullying.  

The cyber-attacks on Government websites though small in scale and consequence up-to-date, indicate vulnerabilities in the national digital infrastructure which needs to be addressed. Following cyber security best practices gain more importance as more organisations, both state and private move their services to the digital domain due to COVID-19 related restrictions. 

Last week, a ransom ware cyber-attack forced a major oil pipeline to shut down the main part of its network causing disruptions and panic among customers. 

“The Government needs to make cyber-security a policy priority and adopt a more proactive security posture,” Cyber Security expert Asela Waidyalankara told Daily FT. 

He highlighted that need to enhance the national cyber security capabilities, updating laws and building resilience for future stability as well as for national security.  

The National Cyber Security Index (NCSI), a global index that measures the preparedness of 160 countries to prevent and manage cyber threats, recently ranked Sri Lanka 69, a 29-position improvement from being ranked 98 in 2020.