In an era of unparalleled digital reliance, a fear emerges of the imminent surge of cybercrime. This threat is fueled by an extended online presence and demands proactive measures. As vulnerabilities increase, securing defenses becomes crucial to prevent the anticipated cyber attack. In the year 2016, hackers targeted the Central Bank of Bangladesh, aiming for $1 billion through SWIFT flaws, striking nearly $101 million despite transaction restrictions.

This exposed banking's vulnerability to cyber threats. Forecasts now expect a significant cyberattack to threaten financial stability—it's a matter of when not if. Responsibility for safeguarding global systems remains unclear, complicating threat containment. Concerns intensify, echoed by ex-ECB presidents & IMF heads. The Financial Stability Board cautioned that an uncontrolled cyber incident could disrupt the financial infrastructure, diminishing public trust and imposing severe financial repercussions.

The COVID-19 pandemic accelerates digital shifts in finance. Rising online banking and remote work amplify the risks of cyber attacks. Central banks eye digital currencies in the middle of this transformation. Rapid changes intensify the role of cybersecurity, safeguarding progress and confidence. At once, hackers exploit this disruption, posing a growing threat to global financial stability.

Hackers turn to exploit pandemic-induced vulnerabilities, with the financial sector ranking second in COVID-19-related cyberattacks, as per the Bank for International Settlements. Protecting against these risks is paramount amidst this digital evolution.

The Responsibility Gap

The global financial system's protection against cyberattacks remains obscure in the middle of its deep reliance on digital infrastructure. Rapid changes worsen the uncertainty, making the system increasingly vulnerable. Competition, innovation, and the pandemic power the digital revolution, intensifying susceptibility. Cybercriminals mastering financial networks pose grave threats, potentially facilitating more disruptive cyber attacks.

Despite efforts to secure defenses & regulations, the swiftly developing risk landscape challenges response capabilities. Enhancing world financial security demands collaborative organizational efforts. The finance sector possesses technological prowess, yet collective action proves significant. The ultimate challenge is effectively coordinating defense mechanisms across industries, financial entities, and governments.

The risk of cyber attacks' distinct traits encourages dispersion among stakeholders. National security prioritizes deterrence,  diplomats focus on state behavior, financial oversight emphasizes resilience, and industries tackle specific rather than sector-wide risks. Making distinct lines between finance & technology further muddles security responsibilities. This gap persists between national security, diplomatic realms, and finance, hindering collaboration important to counter cyber threats.

This disconnect leaves financial bodies vulnerable. Geopolitical tensions and distrust restrict international collaboration, suppressing efforts to connect the accountability gap and define roles in protecting the global financial system. Obstructing by sensitive national security concerns, cybersecurity cooperation remains confined and fragmented.

Behind the Growth in Cyberattack

Future shocks & attacks associated with these cyberattacks should be anticipated to be more dangerous. The most concerning events are those that compromise the integrity of financial data, including transactions, records, and algorithms. There are currently few technical defenses against these kinds of attacks, which can erode public confidence in general.

Malicious actors behind these attacks include states and state-sponsored attackers in addition to more brazen criminals like the Carbanak organization, which stole over $1 billion from financial institutions between 2013 and 2018 (see table).

This is an international issue. While cyberattacks in high-income nations frequently make headlines, the rising frequency of attacks in low- and lower-middle-income nations that target softer targets receives less attention. However, the drive for increased financial inclusion has been strongest in those nations. As a result, it has caused many to switch to digital financial services like mobile payment methods.

Digital financial services promote financial accessibility, but they also provide hackers with an environment full of targets. For instance, the biggest mobile money networks in Uganda, MTN and Airtel, were hacked in October 2020, causing a significant four-day disruption to operations.

Wrapping It Up

The article highlights the escalating threat of cybercrime, citing the $1 billion attempt on Bangladesh's Central Bank in 2016. With growing digital transformation and pandemic-driven online activity, financial systems face heightened vulnerability. Rising attacks target not only high-income nations but also low-income regions embracing digital finance, creating a critical need for coordinated global defense against cyber threats.