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Cybercrime Rises Sharply in Sri Lanka amid Surge in Social Media and AI ... News Facebook X Pinterest WhatsApp By: Staff Writer July 27, Colombo (LNW): Sri Lanka is facing an alarming spike in cybercrime incidents in 2025, underscoring the country’s growing vulnerability in the digital era. The Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) has reported over 5,400 cybercrime complaints so far this year—a significant surge that signals the urgent need for stronger cybersecurity measures and public awareness. The vast majority of these cyber incidents are tied to social media misuse, with Facebook accounting for nearly 90% of reported cases. Other platforms such as WhatsApp, Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat have also become common venues for malicious activity. Experts note a sharp increase in crimes facilitated by artificial intelligence (AI), including AI-generated malware, deepfakes, and phishing scams, which are now being used not only for financial theft but also for harassment and misinformation. Sri Lanka’s digital landscape—with over 7 million internet users and widespread use of social media—has become fertile ground for cybercriminals. Fake profiles, hacked accounts, …

Sri Lanka Sees Alarming Rise in Cybercrime - Newsfirst. COLOMBO (News 1st); In the first three months of the year, nearly 3,000 cybercrime incidents have been reported, according to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT). These crimes, which involve the use of the internet, computer systems, or electronic devices to break the law, include activities such as installing software viruses, stealing information or data related to theft or fraud. During this period, 2,887 social media and computer-related crimes were recorded, including 364 financial fraud cases. One victim, Chaminda Ranawira, shared his experience of falling prey to cybercrime a few months ago. His WhatsApp account was hacked, and messages were sent to his friends requesting money. The hacker even called Chaminda, pretending to be from the Prime Minister's office, using the President's image to lend credibility to the scam. Chaminda's wife recounted the incident: "My husband received a call and handed it to me to answer. The caller claimed to be from the Prime Minister's office, asking for details and a verification code that appeared on my screen. I saw the number and gave it to the caller, who the…

Cybercrime on the rise in Sri Lanka - Daily Mirror Cyberattacks are becoming an increasingly serious issue in Sri Lanka, with the number of computer crime complaints rising sharply in 2025. According to the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT), over 5,400 cybercrime incidents have been reported so far this year. The majority of cases involve social media platforms such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok, with nearly 90% linked to Facebook. A significant number also involve misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) tools. Common cybercrimes reported include malware attacks, data theft, phishing scams, and online financial fraud. With over seven million internet users in Sri Lanka, of which about 90% are active on social media, the risk of online exploitation remains high. Complaints in recent months point to a sharp rise in fake profiles, account hacking, and WhatsApp hijackings. The increasing use of AI-generated malware, phishing emails, and deepfake videos has introduced new risks, often used to harass individuals, extort victims, or manipulate public opinion. Several government institutions have also been targeted. Earlier this year, cyberat…

Sri Lanka Battles Rising Wave of Cybercrime - Sri Lanka is witnessing an alarming rise in cybercrime in 2025, with over 5,400 incidents already reported this year. From social media hijackings and AI-driven scams to ransomware attacks targeting government bodies and banks, the threat landscape has grown more sophisticated. As digital crimes evolve from phishing to human trafficking networks, authorities urge the public to adopt strict online safety measures to protect personal data and national infrastructure. Cybercrime in Sri Lanka is escalating at an unprecedented rate in 2025, with the Sri Lanka Computer Emergency Readiness Team (SLCERT) confirming more than 5,400 reported incidents to date. The sharp increase points to a dangerous trend of digital threats evolving in complexity, reach, and impact. Social media remains the biggest vulnerability, with nearly 90% of all cybercrime cases linked to Facebook. Other popular platforms WhatsApp, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok are also frequently exploited. Authorities have also recorded a troubling rise in the misuse of artificial intelligence (AI) to create deepfake content, design malware, and launch highly personalized phishing attack…

Sri Lanka sees ‘alarming’ rise in cybercrime as scam networks relocate from south-east Asia <p>Experts say criminal networks favour Sri Lanka due to ease of getting tourist visas and limited regulation on sim cards and internet connections</p><p>Experts have warned that Sri Lanka is emerging as a hub for transnational cybercrime, after a crackdown in south-east Asia pushed Chinese-run criminal networks to relocate their vast scam operations.</p><p>Sri Lankan police spokesperson Fredrick Wootler said the country was witnessing an “alarming increase of cybercrimes” perpetrated by people entering the country as tourists, and then illegally setting up scam operations targeting people across the world.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/jun/16/sri-lanka-alarming-rise-cybercrime-scam-networks-south-east-asia-cambodia-myanmar-china">Continue reading...</a>