SBP launches “Cyber Shield” to safeguard the banking system, customers

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Monday, announced the launch of “Cyber Shield” strategy aimed at strengthening the safety and robustness of the banking and financial system and protecting the regulated entities as well as customers from cyber threats

KARACHI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th Feb, 2026) The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), Monday, announced the launch of “Cyber Shield” strategy aimed at strengthening the safety and robustness of the banking and financial system and protecting the regulated entities as well as customers from cyber threats.

“Cyber Shield – the Cyber Resilience Strategy for Regulated Entities 2025-2030”, is part of SBP’s vision 2028 agenda and is designed to better protect banks and financial institutions from cyber threats, thus ensuring that people and businesses can continue to access financial services safely, said a statement issued here by the central bank.

The strategy set out a clear roadmap to help financial institutions strengthen their systems and controls, prevent cyber incidents, respond quickly when cyber threats materialize, and recover effectively from such incidents, it added.

As the banking ecosystem faces increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, the strategy aims to enhance cyber defenses of the regulated entities through a holistic, forward-looking and collaborative approach.

The Cyber Shield is focused on five key priorities: strengthening the ability of banks to withstand cyber incidents, improving governance and accountability for cybersecurity, encouraging cooperation and information-sharing across the financial sector, building skilled cyber talent, and continuously updating security practices to keep pace with new risks.

The milestones laid down in the strategy will be implemented in a phased manner by 2030, SBP stated and directed all regulated entities to align their internal cybersecurity programs with the strategy to ensure compliance.

The SBP will closely monitor both global and domestic cyber developments and will update the strategy as needed to address emerging threats. By strengthening cyber resilience across the banking sector, SBP aims to safeguard customers, support digital innovation in a secure environment and ensure financial stability.