SLCERT – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk Sri Lanka's largest News aggregator Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:30:36 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.8 https://www.newswire.lk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/favicon.png SLCERT – Newswire https://www.newswire.lk 32 32 Could you fall victim to sextortion? SLCERT shares ways to stay safe https://www.newswire.lk/2026/09/15/could-you-fall-victim-to-sextortion-slcert-shares-ways-to-stay-safe/ Tue, 15 Sep 2026 07:30:36 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=255152

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to adopt stronger online safety practices to protectContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to adopt stronger online safety practices to protect themselves and their families from sextortion, a growing form of cyber‑enabled abuse.

Sextortion occurs when perpetrators threaten to release intimate images or videos unless victims comply with demands, often for money, more images, or sexual activity. 

According to SLCERT, such crimes can affect adults, teenagers, and children, and frequently begin on social media, messaging apps, dating platforms, or online games. Offenders may pose as romantic interests or peers to gain trust before exploiting victims.

In a statement, SLCERT explained that sextortion typically follows a pattern:

  • Initial contact by the perpetrator.
  • Trust building through ongoing conversation.
  • Obtaining intimate material.
  • Threats begin once content is secured.
  • Demands continue, escalating pressure on the victim.

SLCERT stressed that victims are not to blame and should treat sextortion as a crime. 

The agency advises preserving evidence before blocking perpetrators, stopping all engagement once threats begin, and seeking help immediately.

To reduce risks, SLCERT recommends several preventive habits:

  • Be cautious with public sharing of personal information.
  • Avoid trusting strangers online.
  • Remember photos aren’t proof of identity.
  • Stop conversations that move platforms.
  • Think carefully before sharing intimate material.
  • Know how to block and report accounts.

With the rise of AI‑generated deepfake images, SLCERT warns that perpetrators may also fabricate explicit content to intimidate victims.

SLCERT added that vigilance, awareness, and timely reporting are key to combating sextortion. (Newswire)

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New Scam Targets Your Savings & Fixed Deposits : CERT warning https://www.newswire.lk/2026/08/17/new-scam-targets-your-savings-fixed-deposits-cert-warning/ Mon, 17 Aug 2026 09:24:29 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=250497

Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public of a sophisticated financial scam in which fraudsters impersonate officialsContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public of a sophisticated financial scam in which fraudsters impersonate officials from the Central Bank of Sri Lanka and the Police Financial Crimes Investigation Division (FCID) to steal money from bank depositors.

SLCERT said it has received complaints about individuals posing as officials of the two institutions and using forged official letterheads and other materials to convince victims that they are legitimate.

According to the warning, scammers initially contact victims through mobile phones and social media and inquire about funds held in savings and fixed deposit accounts.

They claim to already have information about the victims’ deposits and falsely tell them that complaints have been received alleging the money was obtained through fraudulent means. Victims are then threatened with an FCID investigation.

The scammers subsequently send forged letters carrying fake Central Bank letterheads, purported officials’ signatures and rubber stamps. Victims are instructed to transfer their money to a specified account at another private bank.

According to SLCERT, the fraudsters claim the account belongs to an FCID officer and initially instruct victims to transfer half of their deposits. After the transfer, victims are asked to provide the bank deposit slip as proof of payment.

SLCERT said those behind the scam operate in a highly sophisticated manner and reportedly possess police uniforms, bank identification cards and rubber stamps to make the scheme appear legitimate.

The agency urged the public to remain highly vigilant, warning that retirees and elderly people may be particularly vulnerable to the scam.

It also called on the public to make elderly family members aware of the scheme and advise them not to respond to requests seeking financial information or money transfers. (Newswire)

 

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SLCERT warns of rise in sextortion scams targeting social media users https://www.newswire.lk/2026/08/04/slcert-warns-of-rise-in-sextortion-scams-targeting-social-media-users/ Tue, 04 Aug 2026 09:44:33 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=248380

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned that extortion scams carried out through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, andContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned that extortion scams carried out through Facebook Messenger, Instagram, and WhatsApp are once again on the rise, with several victims lodging complaints in recent weeks.

Preliminary information suggests that fraudsters operating from India may be behind the activities, though suspicions have also emerged of Sri Lankan involvement, as victims are now being directed to transfer money into local personal bank accounts.

According to SLCERT, the scam typically begins with a simple “Hi” message from what appears to be a young woman’s Instagram account. After building trust over several days, scammers send provocative images and invite victims to continue conversations via WhatsApp video calls. Victims are then encouraged to appear naked or engage in suggestive exchanges, after which screenshots are taken and shared with relatives or friends to exert pressure.

Victims are initially forced to pay Rs. 5,000–10,000 to prevent exposure, but demands quickly escalate to hundreds of thousands of rupees. In April alone, Sri Lanka CERT recorded multiple cases where payments were directed to Indian accounts, though recent complaints indicate money is being funneled into Sri Lankan accounts as well.

The scam has become particularly manipulative, with perpetrators adding victims’ siblings and relatives to their social media friend lists beforehand to maximize pressure. Many victims only sought help from SLCERT after repeated payments became financially overwhelming.

SLCERT urges the public to remain vigilant when using Messenger, Instagram, WhatsApp, or Telegram, stressing to verify identities before engaging in private conversations, avoid sharing intimate images or participating in compromising video calls, and seek immediate assistance from Sri Lanka CERT or the Police if targeted.

SLCERT has emphasized that the scam is not only financially devastating but also emotionally damaging, as victims often discover exposure through family members contacted by the fraudsters. (Newswire)

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SLCERT launches Malware Analysis & Threat Hunting Lab https://www.newswire.lk/2026/07/24/slcert-launches-malware-analysis-threat-hunting-lab/ Fri, 24 Jul 2026 07:28:56 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=246778

The  Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has formally established the Malware Analysis & Threat Hunting (MATH) Lab, aContinue Reading

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The  Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has formally established the Malware Analysis & Threat Hunting (MATH) Lab, a national‑level cybersecurity capability designed to strengthen proactive defense across government institutions and Critical Information Infrastructure (CII).

The launch marks a crucial milestone in the country’s cybersecurity journey, signaling a strategic shift from conventional reactive incident response toward early detection and intelligence‑driven threat anticipation.

Rising cyber risks

Authorities noted that cyber threats have grown in complexity and frequency as Sri Lanka expands its online public platforms and digital government services. 

Phishing campaigns, data breaches, and exploitation of exposed digital assets pose increasing risks to national systems. While the National Cyber Security Operations Centre (NCSOC) provides centralized monitoring and incident response, the need for a specialized capability focused on proactive threat identification led to the creation of the MATH Lab.

Advanced capabilities

The MATH Lab introduces specialized functions such as proactive threat hunting, actively searching for hidden threats within networks before they cause damage, using globally recognized methodologies. It will also conduct External Attack Surface Monitoring (EASM) to identify weaknesses, configuration errors, and potential entry points in publicly accessible government digital assets.

To strengthen collective defense, the Lab will collect, analyze, and disseminate actionable cyber threat intelligence (CTI) to relevant government stakeholders. This intelligence‑led approach aims to detect threats at an early stage, reduce attacker dwell time, and prevent large‑scale cyber incidents before escalation.

National Impact

The MATH Lab is designed to support over 250 government entities, enhancing coordinated national defense mechanisms across multiple sectors including health, education, and energy. By developing cutting‑edge local expertise in malware analysis and threat hunting, Sri Lanka CERT is building autonomous cyber capacity, reducing reliance on external responses.

Commitment to cyber resilience

SLCERT said the establishment of the Lab demonstrates the country’s commitment to protecting digital infrastructure and ensuring trust in public digital services. It represents a forward‑looking investment in national security, technological capability, and institutional resilience, with CERT pledging to continuously improve the nation’s cybersecurity posture in collaboration with government institutions. (Newswire)

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SLCERT conducts cybersecurity awareness programme at PM’s Office https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/26/slcert-conducts-cybersecurity-awareness-programme-at-pms-office/ Fri, 26 Jun 2026 11:19:54 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=242497

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) conducted a Cyber Security Awareness Programme for the senior managementContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) conducted a Cyber Security Awareness Programme for the senior management of the Prime Minister’s Office on Thursday (25), underscoring the importance of leadership‑driven cybersecurity governance in the public sector.

The programme was attended by Additional Secretaries, Senior Assistant Secretaries, and other senior officials and decision-makers representing various departments of the Prime Minister’s Office.

The awareness session focused on the evolving cyber threat landscape, emerging cyber risks affecting government institutions, and the critical importance of implementing the National Cyber Security Policy across public sector organizations. 

Participants were briefed on the increasing sophistication of cyber threats and the need for proactive measures to protect government information systems and critical digital assets.

A key focus of the programme was the pivotal role of senior leadership in establishing and sustaining a strong cybersecurity culture. Discussions highlighted the responsibilities of top management in providing strategic direction, allocating adequate resources, ensuring compliance with national cybersecurity policies and standards, and overseeing effective cyber risk management practices across their respective organizations.   

The session also emphasized the accountability of senior officials in safeguarding critical information assets and supporting the work of Information Security Officers (ISOs) and Assistant Information Security Officers (AISOs). 

In addition, participants were encouraged to strengthen incident response preparedness and promote continuous cybersecurity awareness among all staff to enhance organizational resilience against cyber threats.

The sessions were conducted by Charuka Damunupola, Lead Information Security Engineer, and Thilina Dissanayake, Manager Capacity Development on Cyber Safety, who shared practical insights into current cybersecurity challenges, governance best practices, and the strategic role of executive leadership in strengthening cyber resilience within government institutions. (Newswire)

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SLCERT warns of AI‑generated fraud videos featuring President and PM https://www.newswire.lk/2026/06/04/slcert-warns-of-ai%e2%80%91generated-fraud-videos-featuring-president-and-pm/ Thu, 04 Jun 2026 11:29:14 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=239094

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public of fake AI‑generated videos circulating online featuring PresidentContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public of fake AI‑generated videos circulating online featuring President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya, and several other prominent figures. 

In a statement, the agency said these deepfake videos are being used as part of financial scams, falsely depicting leaders and celebrities encouraging people to invest money for promised returns.

According to complaints received, the deceptive content also misuses the images of sportsmen and other notable personalities. 

In addition to fraudulent investment schemes, similar AI‑generated material has been used to spread false information about employment opportunities, the economy, and tax policies.

SLCERT cautioned that these videos often contain links directing viewers to fraudulent websites designed to steal personal data and money. 

Officials urged the public not to follow such links or share sensitive information, stressing that these scams pose a serious risk to online safety.

The agency advised consumers to remain vigilant, exercise caution, and avoid becoming victims of false information and online fraud schemes. (Newswire)

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SLCERT warns of new cyber scam targeting motorists https://www.newswire.lk/2026/05/28/slcert-warns-of-new-cyber-scam-targeting-motorists/ Thu, 28 May 2026 10:46:57 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=238082

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has issued a public warning about an ongoing cyber scam targeting motoristsContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has issued a public warning about an ongoing cyber scam targeting motorists through fraudulent SMS and WhatsApp messages impersonating official police notifications.

According to SLCERT, the messages falsely claim that traffic violations have been detected via CCTV cameras and direct recipients to pay fines through a fake website designed to closely resemble the Government’s official “GovPay” platform. 

The fraudulent site is intended to mislead the public and trick individuals into disclosing sensitive personal and financial information.

SLCERT cautioned that victims attempting to make payments through these fake websites risk exposing credit and debit card details, OTP codes, National Identity Card information, and other confidential data to cyber criminals.

SLCERT urged the public to remain vigilant and follow safety measures, including:

  • Avoid suspicious links received via SMS or WhatsApp.
  • Verify websites before making any payments.
  • Do not share banking details with unknown platforms.
  • Never disclose OTP codes to third parties.
  • Report suspicious activity immediately to Sri Lanka CERT or the Police.

SLCERT also reminded motorists that traffic fines through the GovPay system should only be settled after an official notification is issued by a police officer and a valid traffic fine ticket is formally provided. (Newswire)

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Notable rise in online “Avurudu Kumari” scams, SLCERT warns https://www.newswire.lk/2026/04/07/notable-rise-in-online-avurudu-kumari-scams-slcert-warns/ Tue, 07 Apr 2026 06:24:51 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=230716

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has issued a public warning regarding a significant increase in online scamsContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has issued a public warning regarding a significant increase in online scams and financial fraud attempts circulating across social media platforms during the Sinhala and Tamil New Year festive season.

In a statement issued today (07), SLCERT has observed that cybercriminals are actively exploiting the festive period when online engagement is at its peak to manipulate public trust and target unsuspecting individuals. These scams are carefully crafted to take advantage of seasonal goodwill, urgency, and heightened digital interactions.

SLCERT further revealed that a growing number of complaints have been reported involving fraudulent schemes where scammers impersonate government institutions, public service departments, well-known supermarkets, and reputable business entities. These malicious actors promote fake offers, special discounts, financial rewards, and prize giveaways to lure victims.

In addition, there has been a notable rise in scams linked to online “Avurudu Kumari” competitions and similar festive promotions, which are used to collect personal data, including photographs and other sensitive information, it warned.

Noting that scammers frequently distribute deceptive links, encouraging users to make payments or disclose personal and financial information, SLCERT said several victims have reported unauthorized bank transactions and financial losses as a result of such activities.

As such, SLCERT has strongly advised the public to exercise caution and adhere to the following safety measures:

  • Avoid clicking on suspicious or unfamiliar links
  • Do not share personal information, such as National Identity Card numbers or banking details, on unverified platforms
  • Never disclose banking credentials or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) to unknown individuals or untrusted websites

SLCERT pointed out that legitimate government institutions and reputable organizations do not request sensitive personal or financial information through unsolicited messages, social media posts, or unknown links.

The public is urged to remain vigilant and to verify the authenticity of any social media communication, fundraising request, or financial offer through official and trusted sources before taking any action. (Newswire)

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SLCERT conducts cyber safety awareness program for MPs https://www.newswire.lk/2026/03/27/slcert-conducts-cyber-safety-awareness-program-for-mps/ Fri, 27 Mar 2026 07:21:47 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=229216

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has conducted a Cyber Safety Awareness Program for the MembersContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) has conducted a Cyber Safety Awareness Program for the Members of Parliament of Sri Lanka, to enhance awareness on the secure and responsible use of digital technologies, particularly in the context of national governance.

According to SLCERT, in an era where digital platforms play a critical role in governance, policymaking, and public communication, the importance of cybersecurity for parliamentarians cannot be overstated. 

As key decision-makers with access to sensitive information and national systems, Members of Parliament can be exposed to cyber threats such as phishing, data breaches, and misinformation campaigns. Strengthening their awareness and preparedness is therefore essential to safeguarding national security and maintaining public trust, it said. 

The awareness program was attended by Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih, along with Deputy Chairperson of Committees Hemali Weerasekere and several government and opposition members. 

The programme covered several critical areas, including cyber hygiene, secure online communication practices, and cybersecurity best practices required to operate safely within an increasingly interconnected digital environment.

The event featured remarks by Waruna Sri Dhanapala, Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Tilak Pathirage, Chairman of Sri Lanka CERT, and Kanishka Karunasena, Acting Executive Officer of Sri Lanka CERT.

The technical sessions were conducted by Nirosh Ananda, Chief Information Security Officer of Sri Lanka CERT, Charuka Damunupola, Lead Information Security Engineer, and Thilina Dissanayake, Program Manager – Capacity Building at Sri Lanka CERT. 

The sessions provided practical guidance on identifying cyber threats, safeguarding both personal and official digital communications, and adopting secure online behaviours.

Members of Parliament actively engaged with the resource persons throughout the programme, reflecting a strong interest in strengthening their understanding of cybersecurity. Their participation underscored the growing recognition of cybersecurity as a critical component of effective governance and public service.

Sri Lanka CERT continues to play a leading role in enhancing national cybersecurity resilience through targeted training and awareness programmes for both public and private sector stakeholders. (Newswire)

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Public warned of fake online ads targeting upcoming festive season https://www.newswire.lk/2026/03/13/public-warned-of-fake-online-ads-targeting-upcoming-festive-season/ Fri, 13 Mar 2026 04:53:12 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=226886

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to be cautious of online advertisements and suspiciousContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to be cautious of online advertisements and suspicious links targeting the upcoming festive season, warning that many of these promotions are fraudulent attempts to steal personal information.

Lead Information Security Engineer of SLCERT Charuka Damunupola said several cases of internet fraud have already been reported in the past two months. 

He noted that with the Sinhala and Tamil New Year approaching, there is a heightened risk of fake advertisements appearing online in the form of discounts, cash gifts, or special promotions.

Damunupola emphasized that such links often redirect users to fraudulent websites designed to harvest sensitive data. 

He further cautioned that similar scams may surface during the Vesak and Poson festivals under deceptive names such as “Poson Maha Data Dansala,” aimed at tricking users into sharing personal details.

SLCERT has therefore advised the public to exercise vigilance when clicking on unfamiliar links or engaging with online advertisements during the festive season, stressing that awareness and caution are key to preventing cyber fraud. (Newswire)

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SLCERT warns of fake bank alert credit card scams https://www.newswire.lk/2026/01/30/slcert-warns-of-fake-bank-alert-credit-card-scams/ Fri, 30 Jan 2026 07:34:30 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=221265

Sri Lanka CERT has alerted the public to a rising credit card scam involving fake SMS messages and online alertsContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka CERT has alerted the public to a rising credit card scam involving fake SMS messages and online alerts claiming cards have been suspended due to “suspicious activity.”

Victims are tricked into clicking links and entering personal information, including NIC numbers, after being warned their cards will be cancelled within 24 hours. Scammers then use this data and obtain OTPs to steal funds from accounts, CERT said.

In a separate tactic, fraudsters have reportedly impersonated police officers via WhatsApp video calls, claiming a criminal in custody used the victim’s NIC to commit fraud. Victims are threatened with arrest and pressured into transferring money.

Sri Lanka CERT advises the public not to share sensitive information via unknown links or calls and to verify with banks directly. Suspicious activity should be reported immediately. (Newswire)

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SLCERT hosts first stakeholder consultation on Cybercrime Treaty https://www.newswire.lk/2025/12/18/slcert-hosts-first-stakeholder-consultation-on-cybercrime-treaty/ Thu, 18 Dec 2025 10:52:35 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=215709

Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward strengthening its national cybersecurity framework, with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency ReadinessContinue Reading

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Sri Lanka has taken a significant step toward strengthening its national cybersecurity framework, with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) convening its first stakeholder consultation under the Ministry of Digital Economy to discuss the country’s path to ratifying the United Nations Convention against Cybercrime.

Acting Secretary to the Ministry of Digital Economy, Varuna Sri Danapala, chaired the stakeholder consultation attended by officials from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Justice, Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Defence, Attorney General’s Department, National Child Protection Authority, Bribery Commission, and Sri Lanka Police. 

At the commencement of the meeting, SLCERT stated that it is an honour to host this initial consultation, marking an important milestone in the country’s ongoing efforts to strengthen its national cybersecurity framework through inclusive and informed dialogue.

Key technological and legal insights were presented by Senior Counsel Jayantha Fernando, who discussed the evolution of international legal frameworks on cybercrime and their impact on Sri Lanka’s legal and regulatory landscape. A comprehensive overview of the UN Convention against Cybercrime and how it might be integrated with Sri Lanka’s current legal framework was provided by Sehan Soysa, Senior State Counsel of the Attorney General’s Department.

The signing of the UN Convention against Cybercrime by Sri Lanka was highlighted as a landmark achievement that reflects the nation’s strong commitment to building a secure, trusted, and resilient digital environment. By signing the Convention, Sri Lanka has taken an important step toward aligning with internationally recognized standards for the prevention, investigation, and prosecution of cybercrime.

Acting CEO of SLCERT, Kanishka Karunasena, emphasized that the decision to sign the Convention was not an ad hoc measure, but one that is firmly anchored in national policy. The move is fully aligned with the Cabinet-approved Information and Cyber Security Strategy, which will be implemented from 2025 to 2029.

These actions are designed to enable Sri Lanka to fully realize the benefits of a growing digital economy while safeguarding citizens, institutions, and critical infrastructure.

While technical experts are expected to provide detailed insights into the Convention itself, the session also outlined key steps taken by the Government to strengthen the country’s overall cybersecurity readiness. These measures are intended to ensure that Sri Lanka’s digital ecosystem remains secure, resilient, and future-ready in the face of evolving cyber threats.

SLCERT reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with government agencies, the private sector, civil society, and international partners as the country progresses toward ratification and implementation of the UN Convention against Cybercrime. (Newswire)

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SLCERT warns of rising festive-season & disaster-related social media scams https://www.newswire.lk/2025/12/15/slcert-warns-of-rising-festive-season-disaster-related-social-media-scams/ Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:43:01 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=215155

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to remain extremely vigilant as a surge inContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has urged the public to remain extremely vigilant as a surge in online scams and embezzlement attempts has been observed across social media platforms in recent weeks. 

Issuing a statement, SLCERT said these incidents coincide with the festive season and the ongoing climate-related disaster situation, creating opportunities for cybercriminals to exploit public trust and vulnerability.

“SLCERT has received a significant number of complaints regarding fraudulent schemes where scammers impersonate government institutions, public service departments, reputed supermarkets, and well-known business entities. These actors circulate fake promotional offers, financial rewards, and prize announcements to mislead unsuspecting individuals,” the statement said.

According to SLCERT, in the aftermath of the recent cyclone and severe rains that caused widespread damage in several parts of the country, cybercriminals have also fraudulently replicated the names of government agencies and organizations involved in relief and recovery efforts. They distribute deceptive links and persuade the public to donate money through these channels, resulting in many victims losing funds directly from their bank accounts.

SLCERT has reminded the public not to click on suspicious links, not to share personal information on untrusted channels, or One-Time Passwords (OTPs) with unknown individuals or unverified websites. 

“Legitimate government institutions and established organizations do not request such sensitive information via unsolicited messages, social media posts, or online links. We call on the public to exercise heightened caution during this period and verify the authenticity of any message, fundraising request, or financial offer they receive. Any suspicious activity can be reported to Sri Lanka CERT through our hotline or official channels. Stay alert. Stay safe. Protect your digital identity,” it added. (Newswire)

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Govt assures no data breach during Lanka Government Cloud collapse https://www.newswire.lk/2025/11/04/govt-assures-no-data-breach-during-lanka-government-cloud-collapse/ Tue, 04 Nov 2025 06:51:09 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=209186

The government has assured that no government or civilian data was compromised following the unexpected collapse of the Lanka GovernmentContinue Reading

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The government has assured that no government or civilian data was compromised following the unexpected collapse of the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC) in mid-October this year. 

Issuing a statement, the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) said the assurance was given by Deputy Minister of Digital Economy, Eranga Weeraratne, in Parliament recently in response to a question raised by Opposition MP Ravi Karunanayake. 

According to the statement, Deputy Minister Eranga Weeraratne had clarified that a technical issue brought on by a storage drive exceeding 100% utilization and initiating an automatic shutdown protocol was the cause of the incident, rather than a cyberattack.

“This was a controlled shutdown rather than a systemwide failure. After thorough validation to guarantee all data remained secure, services were restored by Saturday night,” the Deputy Minister informed Parliament. (Newswire)

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High pay for little work : SLCERT warns of rising job scams https://www.newswire.lk/2025/09/02/high-pay-for-little-work-slcert-warns-of-rising-job-scams/ Tue, 02 Sep 2025 06:41:39 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=201379

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent job scams thatContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public to remain vigilant against fraudulent job scams that promise high salaries for minimal work.

Officials said that scammers are increasingly targeting vulnerable individuals through flashy advertisements and online promotions, often demanding registration fees or deposits in the name of employment.

They further said that once victims fall for the trap, they risk losing money, exposing personal information, or, in some cases, even becoming victims of human trafficking.

SLCERT has urged job seekers to verify employers through official channels, including company websites and the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE) for overseas opportunities. The agency stressed that legitimate jobs do not require upfront payments or deposits.

Authorities further advised the public to carefully review contracts, confirm overseas offers with embassies or trusted agencies, and rely on their instincts when an offer appears too good to be true.

Meanwhile, SLCERT has also launched an awareness campaign across social media platforms to educate citizens on identifying such scams and staying safe online. (Newswire)

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Public warned over fake notices using SLCERT, Police & NCPA stamps https://www.newswire.lk/2025/08/25/public-warned-over-fake-notices-using-slcert-police-ncpa-stamps/ Mon, 25 Aug 2025 07:17:14 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=200292

The public has been warned of the circulation of fake and fraudulent documents bearing names, signatures, stamps and logos ofContinue Reading

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The public has been warned of the circulation of fake and fraudulent documents bearing names, signatures, stamps and logos of the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), Sri Lanka Police and the National Child Protection Authority (NCPA). 

Issuing a statement, the SLCERT said the fraudulent documents issued as legal notices have been circulated among officials and the public.

These documents attempt to impersonate government institutions, make false accusations of illegal online activity, and pressure recipients into responding urgently, the SLCERT said.

Stating that these documents are fake and have not been issued by the SLCERT, Police, or NCPA, it further clarified that government agencies do not issue legal notices through unofficial channels. 

The SLCERT warned that responding to such documents may put individuals at risk of fraud or exploitation. 

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team has urged the public not to respond to such documents or provide any personal or financial information to those distributing them. (Newswire)

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Data Dansal : Public warned of fake links on social media https://www.newswire.lk/2025/05/14/data-dansal-public-warned-of-fake-links-on-social-media/ Wed, 14 May 2025 06:27:15 +0000 https://www.newswire.lk/?p=186957

The public has been warned of fake messages on social media platforms promising free data in view of the VesakContinue Reading

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The public has been warned of fake messages on social media platforms promising free data in view of the Vesak Festival, referred to as Data Dansal. 

According to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), links have been shared on social media platforms promising to provide free data for Vesak Poya. 

SLCERT’s Senior Information Security Engineer, Charuka Damunupola, said the links have been shared to collect personal and confidential information of individuals.

Pointing out that there were actual data donations being conducted by certain sites, he said, however, the links being shared on WhatsApp groups and chat messages were fraudulent. 

He further explained that these links redirect the user to another website, through which fraudsters can obtain personal information, such as name, date of birth, and NIC number. (Newswire)

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Mobile financial fraud : Warning from SLCERT https://www.newswire.lk/2025/01/17/mobile-financial-fraud-warning-from-slcert/ Fri, 17 Jan 2025 05:18:29 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=171348

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public not to be deceived by text messages (SMS)Continue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned the public not to be deceived by text messages (SMS) and phone calls to mobile phones claiming to grant money.

SLCERT’s Senior Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola said information has been received about people making fake phone calls and defrauding money.

“These days, you may receive fake messages on your mobile phone. These fake messages may claim that you have won gifts and money. Various discounts, work-from-home opportunities, foreign jobs etc. can also be sent to you,” he said. 

Charuka Damunupola further urged the public to be careful and refrain from sharing personal information through such messages. (Newswire)

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Department of Printing’s website hacked https://www.newswire.lk/2024/12/31/department-of-printings-website-hacked/ Tue, 31 Dec 2024 04:53:21 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=169221

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) says investigations are underway into the hacking of the official website ofContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) says investigations are underway into the hacking of the official website of the Sri Lanka Department of Printing.

SLCERT confirmed that the official website has been the target of a cyber attack.

The official website of the Sri Lanka Department of Printing had been hacked with its data being altered, SLCERT added. (Newswire)

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Festive season scams on the rise : SLCERT https://www.newswire.lk/2024/12/26/festive-season-scams-on-the-rise-slcert/ Thu, 26 Dec 2024 04:35:56 +0000 http://www.newswire.lk/?p=168866

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned of an increase in online financial scams targeting the festiveContinue Reading

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The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has warned of an increase in online financial scams targeting the festive season. 

SLCERT’s Chief Information Security Officer, Nirosh Ananda said complaints have been received of the public being financially defrauded by receiving calls claiming to have won gifts.

He further said that complaints have also been received regarding some irregularities using AI technology.

Nirosh Ananda requested the public to remain vigilant of such online financial frauds. (Newswire)

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