In light of recent cybersecurity incidents that have garnered significant public attention, the Digital Trust Alliance (DTA) has reaffirmed its commitment to fostering a resilient and ethically governed digital ecosystem in Sri Lanka.
Issuing a statement, DTA said these developments serve as a stark reminder of the complex and evolving nature of cyber threats, underscoring the urgent need for organisations to embed Digital Trust at the heart of their corporate governance and strategic planning.
As part of its regular industry deliberations, the DTA Board convened recently to reflect on the broader implications of such incidents for Sri Lanka’s public and private sectors. The discussions centred around the critical intersection between cybersecurity, consumer confidence, and organisational accountability.
-Protecting Digital Trust: Beyond Compliance to Strategic Readiness
Cybersecurity incidents, irrespective of sector, highlight the fragile nature of Digital Trust and the significant responsibility entrusted to organisations that manage customer data. While technical defences are essential, the DTA emphasises that building Digital Trust requires a holistic approach encompassing:
- Executive-level accountability for cybersecurity posture and governance.
- Recognition of cybersecurity investment as a strategic imperative, not merely an operational expense.
- Strategic communication and robust crisis management capabilities.
- Institutionalisation of cybersecurity drills and executive tabletop exercises to build operational resilience.
- Integration of governance, risk management, and compliance (GRC) practices aligned with global best standards.
-Elevating Industry Readiness: DTA’s Strategic Focus Areas
The DTA will continue to collaborate with like-minded industry associations, regulatory bodies, and professional networks to:
- Develop Media Guidelines for Responsible Reporting
The DTA will lead efforts to create media reporting guidelines on data breaches. These guidelines aim to ensure accuracy, responsible terminology, and ethical reporting standards during cybersecurity incidents. Furthermore, the DTA is prepared to engage in capacity-building programs for journalists covering technology and cybersecurity.
- Empower Executive Leadership on Digital Trust
DTA will work with industry partners to provide strategic advisory services for boards and senior leadership on embedding Digital Trust as an enabler of business objectives. This includes incident response readiness, reputational risk management, and executive education on governance in the digital age.
- Foster Organisational Resilience Beyond Technical Response
Recognising that restoring Digital Trust post-incident extends beyond technical remediation, the DTA offers guidance on managing the full lifecycle of a cybersecurity incident — from detection and response to recovery, stakeholder engagement, and trust rebuilding.
-A Call to Action for Sri Lankan Enterprises
This moment is a critical inflexion point for Sri Lanka’s digital economy. It is imperative that organisations assess their cybersecurity readiness, strengthen their governance practices, and embed Digital Trust principles into their operational DNA.
The Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA) and emerging regulatory frameworks provide an important foundation. However, the DTA believes that policy must be complemented by organisational maturity, investment in security talent, and a culture of transparency and ethical stewardship of data.
DTA states, moving forward, it remains steadfast in its mission, advocating for a resilient, secure, and trusted digital Sri Lanka. (Newswire)