New Delhi: Pakistan-backed hackers have been targeting Indian Defence websites over the last few days.
Anticipating more such attempts amid escalating tensions with Pakistan, India’s critical sectors have been on their guard.
On Friday, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman called on all banks to stay fully prepared to handle any unforeseen circumstance.
“All banks must remain fully alert and prepared to deal with any eventuality or crisis, ensuring uninterrupted access to banking and financial services for citizens and businesses,” Sitharaman said.
Sitharaman chaired a high-level meeting with top officials of public, private sector banks and insurance companies. Among important issues which came up at the meeting was the banking sector’s cybersecurity preparedness in ensuring uninterrupted banking services amid the ongoing border conflict.
Officials informed the Finance Minister about cybersecurity measures being significantly reinforced across the banking system. Anti-DDoS (Distributed Denial-of-Service) systems have been implemented to guard against large-scale cyber-attacks, while banks have carried out mock drills for cybersecurity and disaster recovery to ensure preparedness.
The Finance Minister made it clear that both physical and digital banking services must function without disruption, ensuring cash availability at ATMs, continuous UPI and internet banking services, and access to other essential banking facilities.
Harping on the critical role of banking sector in maintaining economic stability during such volatile times, Sitharaman directed all banks to remain fully alert and prepared to handle any crisis, ensuring uninterrupted access to banking services for both citizens and businesses, particularly in border areas.
Expressing concern about the safety of bank employees in border areas, the FM directed banks to coordinate with security agencies for their protection.
