International A2P SMS digital Centre to tackle spam SMS
Sri Lanka’s recent spate of spam texts sent by scammers making excessive use of short message system or SMS for fraud, and illegal activities has pressed the government to take precautionary measures, Ministry of Technology sources stated.
The ministry warned that spam texts have been rising recently with scammers more likely to target desperate
Sri Lankans suffering from economic hardships.
The government is contemplating the establishment of International A2P (Application-toPerson) SMS digital Centre to ensure the digital security of mobile phones from spam texts or small messages, a high official of the Technology Ministry said.
A2P messaging encloses one-time passwords (OTPs) sent to mobile phones safeguard access to sensitive data systems, even if owners of phones forget passwords.
The cabinet of ministers granted approval for the resolution made by the President in his capacity as the subject minister to appoint a technical committee, to evaluate the proposal of establishing an international A2P SMS digital Centre and submit recommendations.
Accordingly, a proposal has been submitted for implementation of an international A2P short message services Centre by Infobip which is a UK-based private company, a cabinet memorandum revealed.
The proposed technical committee to evaluate this proposal comprises representatives
A2P messaging encloses one-time passwords (OTPs) sent to mobile phones safeguard access to sensitive data systems, even if owners of phones forget passwords.
from the Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Technology and the Telecommunication Regulatory Commission.
A2P is a communication model and is an app like a computer programme or software that direct messages or notifications to end subscribers.
The short message service is commonly used for various objectives including evaluation on enterprises and transactions as a decisive communication media for citizens, businesses and government institutions.
Further, messages could also contain appointment aidesmémoires, alerts, notifications, and sometimes, even public opinion polls and surveys.
SMS attacks are malicious threats that use short message service and other mobile-based messaging applications to engage in cyber-attacks.
These attacks utilise malicious software and websites to enact damage to users. SMS attacks can lead to theft of private data and spread malware to other users.