FM Sitharaman Flags AI Cyber Risks, Calls Bank Meet
Finance Minister urges pre-emptive action as concerns rise over advanced AI models
- Nirmala Sitharaman chairs high-level cybersecurity review
- Banks asked to strengthen IT systems, protect customer data
- Focus on risks linked to advanced AI models like Claude Mythos
- Push for real-time threat intelligence sharing
GG News Bureau
New Delhi, 24th April: Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman convened a high-level meeting with heads of banks and key stakeholders to assess emerging cybersecurity risks linked to advanced artificial intelligence technologies.
The meeting, attended by Electronics and IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, focused on potential threats posed by sophisticated AI models such as Claude Mythos, which has raised global concerns over its ability to identify system vulnerabilities.
Sitharaman directed banks to take pre-emptive measures to secure their IT infrastructure, safeguard customer data and protect financial resources. She emphasised the need for a robust mechanism for real-time sharing of threat intelligence among banks, CERT-In and other agencies.
Banks were advised to promptly report any cyber incidents and maintain close coordination with regulatory and security bodies. The Finance Minister also asked the Indian Banks’ Association to develop a coordinated institutional response framework.
Highlighting the evolving nature of cyber threats, Sitharaman said the risks associated with emerging AI models are unprecedented and require heightened vigilance and preparedness.
Officials said the Finance Ministry and the Reserve Bank of India are assessing potential risks to the financial sector, adding that Indian systems remain secure at present.
The concerns stem from developments by US-based AI firm Anthropic, which has developed the Claude Mythos model capable of detecting and exploiting vulnerabilities in software systems. The model has not been publicly released due to its potential misuse, but is being tested under controlled conditions.
Authorities said continuous monitoring and strengthening of cybersecurity frameworks will remain a priority to safeguard India’s financial ecosystem.
