Rising cyber threats expose gaps in digital safety awareness

Colombo, January 1 (Daily Mirror) - The steady rise in cyber complaints reported to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (Sri Lanka CERT) in 2025 has underscored growing gaps in digital safety awareness, particularly as more Sri Lankans rely on social media and online services for daily activities.

With over 12,650 complaints recorded so far this year, Sri Lanka CERT says misuse of social media platforms has become a major driver of cybersecurity incidents. Fake profiles, account takeovers and online financial fraud remain the most frequently reported issues, reflecting how cybercriminals are exploiting trust within digital communities.

According to Sri Lanka CERT Lead Information Security Engineer Charuka Damunupola, reports of online harassment, abusive content and sexually inappropriate material aimed at adults have also increased, raising concerns about user safety and mental well-being in online spaces. He added that the growing circulation of false information and deceptive online schemes continues to mislead the public and cause financial and reputational harm.

Experts note that cybercriminals are adapting quickly, using increasingly sophisticated tactics to target users as digital payments, online shopping and social media interactions expand. Damunupola said vulnerable groups such as young people, senior citizens and first-time internet users are often targeted due to limited familiarity with cybersecurity practices.

He stressed that improving public awareness is key to reducing cyber risks, urging users to adopt safer online habits such as limiting the sharing of personal details, checking the authenticity of messages and links, and strengthening account security through secure passwords and two-factor authentication.

Sri Lanka CERT continues to work with law enforcement agencies, internet service providers and other stakeholders to strengthen national cyber resilience and promote responsible digital behaviour. The agency has also encouraged the public to report cyber incidents promptly to enable faster intervention and mitigation.

Members of the public can obtain assistance or report cybersecurity incidents by contacting Sri Lanka CERT via hotline 101 or by emailing [email protected].