Concerns mount over data security following #DataScam

COLOMBO (News 1st); Several government websites hosted on the Lanka Government Cloud had experienced a technical issue on Monday (13) night.

The Chairman of the Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology Agency or (ICTA) said that the websites have been restored.

ICTA Chairman Oshada Senanayake speaking to News 1st said that the issue had taken place at a memory point of the Lanka Government Cloud (LGC) environment, and the ICTA conducted maintenance operations to restore the system.

He said the expansion of the LGC needs to take place in an expeditious manner as the digitization process in the country is taking place at a rapid pace due to COVID-19.

‘The infrastructure for this needs to be created soon,’ he added.

The Order issued by the Colombo Magistrate’s Court suspending the planned upgrade of the Lanka Government Cloud, over the possible loss of forensic evidence related to the deleted data from the NMRA database, hosted on the Lanka Government Cloud was lifted on Monday (13).

When the case pertaining to the deletion of data of the NMRA hosted on the Lanka Government cloud was taken up in court on the 9th of this month it was submitted that the upgrade of the Lanka Government Cloud could result in the loss of valuable forensic evidence pertaining to the data wipe.

As important hardware and software of the Lanka Government Cloud may be replaced by this upgrade it is the responsibility of Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology Agency ensure that these hardware and software are protected.

On the 9th of July important information on the Lanka Government Cloud was wiped clean

Data relating to medicines and medical devices mysteriously disappeared from the system.

The Lanka Government Cloud managed by ICTA or Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology Agency is considered as one of the most secure cloud in Sri Lanka.

If sensitive information on the Lanka Government Cloud were deleted, and if there is no backup for these information what is the assurance that data relating national security on the Lanka government cloud is safe?

ICTA or Sri Lanka’s Information and Communication Technology Agency Is an institution that is accountable to the people of the country.

The people are watching as to how these officials who are responsible to the citizens of this country will execute their duties.