SBP launches Cyber Shield to boost banking sector’s cyber resilience

February 16, 2026 (MLN): State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), as part of its Vision 2028 agenda, unveiled “Cyber Shield – the Cyber Resilience Strategy for Regulated Entities,” a comprehensive initiative aimed at strengthening the security and operational resilience of the country’s banking and financial system against evolving cyber threats.

The strategy provides a structured roadmap for banks and financial institutions to enhance their technological safeguards, improve internal controls, prevent cyber incidents, ensure swift response when breaches occur, and enable timely recovery to maintain uninterrupted financial services for consumers and businesses, according to a press release issued by SBP's External Communications Department.

Amid increasingly sophisticated cyber risks facing the banking ecosystem, the central bank said the framework adopts a holistic and forward-looking approach built on collaboration across the sector. 

It outlines five core priorities: boosting institutions’ capacity to withstand cyberattacks, strengthening governance and accountability for cybersecurity, promoting sector-wide cooperation and information-sharing, developing skilled cyber workforce, and continuously updating security protocols in line with emerging threats.

SBP said it will actively track global and domestic cyber risk trends and revise the strategy when required. 

The initiative is aimed at protecting customers, enabling secure digital financial innovation, and preserving overall financial stability.

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