News | Banks on High Alert Amid India-Pakistan Tensions; Cybersecurity Strengthened, ATM Services Uninterrupted

Banks on High Alert Amid India-Pakistan Tensions; Cybersecurity Strengthened, ATM Services Uninterrupted

News

10 May 2025

1 min read

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New Delhi: Amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan, the Indian banking sector has been put on high alert to mitigate potential cyber threats and ensure uninterrupted ATM and branch operations.

The Ministry of Finance has instructed public sector banks to strengthen cybersecurity protocols and operational readiness, especially in sensitive regions. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman held a high-level review meeting where she directed banks to ensure availability of cash at ATMs and seamless access to banking services.

Following these directives, banks including SBI and Canara have activated Emergency Response Teams operating 24x7, enhanced surveillance through their Security Operations Centres (SOCs), and coordinated with national cybersecurity bodies such as CERT-In and NCIIPC.

Officials confirmed that while no direct cyberattack has occurred, increased vigilance is essential due to intelligence inputs warning of possible cyber intrusions from across the border.

Banks have also reassured the public that ATMs are functioning normally, dismissing social media rumours suggesting ATM shutdowns due to cyber threats. The Press Information Bureau (PIB) and the Ministry of Finance have clarified that there is no disruption to banking services.