Sri Lanka a soft target for cybercrimes: SC determination

By Yohan Perera
Sri Lanka has been identified as a soft target for cybercriminals, and according to the 21st edition of Microsoft’s Security Intelligence Report, cryptocurrency mining malware, where cybercriminals seek illicit profits by using victim’s computers to mine cryptocurrency coins such as Bitcoins have increased in the country, according to the Supreme Court determination on Online Safety Bill.   

Sri Lanka has been identified as a soft target for cybercriminals, and according to the 21st edition of Microsoft’s Security Intelligence Report, cryptocurrency mining malware, where cybercriminals seek illicit profits by using victim’s computers to mine cryptocurrency coins such as Bitcoins have increased
According to the determination, concerns are growing over foreign involvement with cybercrimes, including online financial fraud, theft of personal information and e-commerce scams, with the latest arrest of nearly 40 foreign nationals in Sri Lanka.   
 According to the Police, some foreign nationals have defrauded millions of rupees over several months through the internet from the accounts of people in different countries.   
“They were arrested based on complaints received through several embassies. Hence, law enforcement authorities warned the public to be more vigilant over alleged fraud carried out in Sri Lanka through the internet by foreigners who are in Sri Lanka on tourist visas.   According to the determination, the government has a responsibility to enact legislation to prevent such crimes and protect the people of this country.  “Such legislation will secure the equal protection of the law enshrined in Article 12(l) of the Constitution,” the determination says.