Ransomware attack shuts down payment systems in nearly 300 Indian banks
A ransomware attack on technology service provider C-Edge Technologies has temporarily shut down payment systems across nearly 300 small local banks in India, according to two sources directly aware of the matter.
C-Edge Technologies, which provides banking technology systems to small banks nationwide, has not responded to an email seeking comment. Similarly, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) did not reply to Reuters' request for comment.
The National Payment Corporation of India (NPCI), which oversees payment systems, issued a public advisory late Wednesday, stating that it had "temporarily isolated C-Edge Technologies from accessing the retail payments system operated by NPCI."
"Customers of banks serviced by C-Edge will not be able to access payment systems during the period of isolation," the NPCI announced.
To prevent a wider impact, nearly 300 small banks have been isolated from the broader payment network, according to sources who are officials at a regulatory authority. "Most of these are small banks and only about 0.5% of the country's payment system volumes would be impacted," one source said.
India has nearly 1,500 cooperative and regional banks, mainly operating outside major cities, and some of these banks have been affected, the sources told Reuters.
NPCI is conducting an audit to ensure the attack does not spread, the second source added.
In recent weeks, the RBI and Indian cyber authorities have warned banks about potential cyber-attacks, according to banking industry sources and the first source.
With inputs from Reuters.
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Bengaluru: Bommai urges govt to build consensus on internal reservation
Bengaluru: BJP MP and former Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai urged the state government to consult all communities and build consensus before implementing internal reservation while filling vacant posts, The New Indian Express reported
Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru, Bommai said the government must clearly outline the procedure it intends to follow in carrying out pending recruitments. It should consult all communities and build consensus, he said, adding that the government appears to be confused.
He said that he was not aware of any formal approval or order issued by the Governor regarding internal reservation. The government must seek the advice of legal experts before moving forward.
Several communities have presented their cases before the Justice Nagamohan Das Committee, and appropriate action should be taken after examining its recommendations, he said.
On international developments, Bommai also appealed to global leaders to intervene and stop the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran. He said the situation could escalate further if not addressed immediately.
The conflicts are being driven by petroleum and religious issues. The US is trying to assert control over oil resources and is not in a position to heed anyone’s advice, he said.
He pointed out that tensions are affecting regions such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Saudi Arabia, creating widespread concern as Indians reside in large numbers across these regions.
