SBI Launches Cybersecurity Centre After Customer Data Found on Dark Web

State Bank of India has launched a cybersecurity centre following the suspected exposure of customer data on the dark web.

Why Has SBI Established the New Centre?

State Bank of India (SBI) has established a cybersecurity centre of excellence, CyRIS, to strengthen its ability to anticipate emerging digital threats and improve cyber defence capabilities. The initiative follows a recent incident involving the suspected exposure of customer information on the dark web.

The centre was inaugurated by Sanjay Lohiya, Secretary, Department of Financial Services. SBI said the initiative would strengthen its response to evolving cybersecurity risks while supporting research, innovation and the development of specialised expertise.

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What Did SBI Discover the Data Exposure?

On October 16, 2026, SBI received communications from its threat intelligence service provider, the Defence Cyber Agency and CERT-In regarding the suspected exposure of customer data on the dark web.

According to a stock exchange filing by the bank, a preliminary examination covered approximately 375,000 records available on the dark web. Of these, 3,897 customer records containing personally identifiable information were identified.

The findings established the presence of customer-related information among the examined records. However, the available details do not establish the full circumstances of the suspected exposure or explain how the information became accessible.

What Cybersecurity Areas Will CyRIS Cover?

SBI said CyRIS would concentrate on several areas of digital security, including threat intelligence, cyber defence, digital forensics, malware analysis, ethical hacking and fraud analytics.

The centre will also work on artificial intelligence security and quantum-safe technologies, reflecting the bank’s intention to develop capabilities across established and emerging cybersecurity disciplines.

SBI Chairman CS Setty described the initiative as being built around three complementary pillars: think, innovate and defend. These will guide efforts to strengthen cybersecurity policy, develop professional talent, improve awareness and support research into cyber threats and defensive technologies.

What Does the Initiative Mean for Banking Security?

The establishment of CyRIS places greater emphasis on developing cybersecurity expertise and strengthening institutional preparedness against evolving digital threats.

Its proposed activities bring together technical investigation, fraud analysis, research and workforce development within a dedicated framework.

The420 Insight : SBI’s announcement comes after the identification of 3,897 customer records containing personal information during a preliminary dark web examination. The new centre represents an effort to strengthen cybersecurity capabilities, although its effectiveness will depend on how the proposed programmes are implemented.