Security sources noted that the volume and intensity of cyberattacks on Indian websites surged after the recent terrorist killings in Pahalgam, Kashmir. In recent days, several government websites and affiliated portals have been defaced or hacked by foreign-based cybercriminal groups, intensifying cybersecurity vigilance across sectors.
Although no data loss or breach has been reported at the exchanges, officials confirmed that cybersecurity firewalls and protocols were tested by repeated intrusion attempts. The exchanges have since coordinated with India’s national cybersecurity agencies, including the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), to mitigate ongoing threats and share intelligence.
Sources added that after the blanket restrictions were enforced, some foreign clients reached out seeking access, prompting the exchanges to whitelist verified IPs to allow limited website availability abroad. The access limitations are temporary, and normal global accessibility is expected to resume once the cyber threat levels subside.
Markets Unaffected, Investor Confidence Intact
Market analysts and traders confirmed that despite heightened cybersecurity protocols, trading operations and settlement mechanisms remain unaffected. Foreign funds and institutional investors use secure gateways and direct terminal connections that do not rely on public website access.
The episode, however, underscores growing vulnerabilities for critical market infrastructure institutions (MIIs) amid a rapidly evolving geopolitical and digital threat landscape. It also highlights the importance of proactive, collaborative cybersecurity frameworks among India’s top financial institutions.
