Hackers prey on websites sans basic security

The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team | Coordination Centre (SLCERT|CC) said the non-implementation of the most basic cyber security measures was a major contributing factor behind the escalation in incidents of website hacking reported in the country.

SLCERT|CC Information Security Engineer Roshan Chandraguptha said in most of the hacking incidents had taken place because of a reported lack of proper content management systems.

“If the operating system and the software used to create the website are promptly updated and the security systems are checked for vulnerabilities, there will be little need to worry about a site’s security. However, the security of most websites is outdated and this has resulted in the maximising of vulnerabilities,” he added.

Mr. Chandraguptha said the Centre was carrying out a series of workshops and conferences on maintaining and strengthening cyber security by raising awareness with regard to several simple measures that could be adopted to stabilise website security.

Several state-owned websites were reportedly hacked during the past two months with the latest incident being that of the media ministry website being hacked a few days ago. (Lakna Paranamanna)