SBP launches "Cyber Shield" initiative to strengthen banking cybersecurity

The State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) has officially launched “Cyber Shield – the Cyber Resilience Strategy for Regulated Entities”, a key initiative under its Vision 2028 agenda aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity framework of the country's banking and financial system.

Announced on February 16, 2026, the Cyber Shield strategy is designed to strengthen the safety and robustness of Pakistan’s banking institutions against evolving cyber threats. This comprehensive strategy provides a roadmap to help financial institutions enhance their cyber defenses, mitigate risks, and ensure continued, safe access to financial services for individuals and businesses.

In light of increasingly sophisticated cyber threats facing the global banking ecosystem, the SBP’s initiative focuses on five critical areas. The first is strengthening the banking sector’s ability to withstand cyber incidents. The second priority is improving governance and accountability for cybersecurity within financial institutions. Third, the strategy aims to promote collaboration and information-sharing across financial institutions to enhance collective defense mechanisms. The fourth priority is building a skilled cyber workforce to address the growing demand for cybersecurity expertise. Finally, the SBP aims to regularly update security practices to stay ahead of emerging risks and keep the financial system secure.

The SBP has emphasized the importance of a holistic and forward-looking approach to cybersecurity, underscoring the need for continuous adaptation in the face of evolving digital threats. The strategy also stresses collaboration within the sector to foster a more secure digital financial environment.

 The central bank also stated that it will continuously monitor global and domestic cyber trends and update the Cyber Shield strategy as necessary.

Through this initiative, the SBP aims to safeguard both banking institutions and their customers, promote secure digital innovation, and reinforce the overall financial stability of the country. The strategy aligns with Pakistan’s broader goals to embrace digital financial systems while ensuring robust protections against cyber risks.