BB issues cyber-attack warning for banks, financial institutions

Bangladesh Bank (BB) issued a cyber-attack warning to banks and other financial institutions after the leakage of a large number of private information of citizens.

The central bank recently issued a warning asking them to enhance malware surveillance and apply different security tools to secure the financial information of banks.

Though the BB has not mentioned any specific area, malware like the banking Trojan TrickBot, which can steal financial details, account credentials and personally identifiable information should be under check.

The BB asked banks to notify it of any recent incidents of malware attacks and the actions taken by July 13. It also sought a detailed account of the preventive and reactive measures from cyber-attacks by July 20.

BB Spokesman Md Mezbaul Haque acknowledged sending the letters, which was part of the central bank's general housekeeping.

"Banks are taking proactive measures," he added.

After Bangladesh Krishi Bank's server came under a malware attack last month, the central bank gave warning letters to the banks.

Notorious ransomware group ALPHV, also known as BlackCat, broke into the state bank's servers and made away with more than 170 GB of crucial information.

The break-in went undetected for 12 days, giving the hackers ample time to study internal documentation and steal valuable data with impunity.