NABARD's Cyber Security Framework for
Regional Rural Banks

A Guided Path to Strengthening Digital Banking

  • Guidelines for cyber security controls in Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) tailored to their digital sophistication and connectivity.
  • Outlines the responsibilities of the Board of Directors, top management, and Sponsor Bank in ensuring robust cyber security governance and reporting.
Add a subheading 4

Four-Tiered Framework and Tailored Controls for RRB Cyber Security

Levels of Cyber Security Controls.

01

Level 1 (All RRBs)

RRBs must adopt baseline cyber security and resilience requirements as outlined in Annexure-I. This includes measures like inventory management of business IT assets, cyber crisis management plans, and user access control.

Level 2 (RRBs with Internet or Mobile Banking)

RRBs offering digital banking services need to implement additional controls specified in Annexure-II, on top of the Level 1 controls. This level introduces aspects such as application security lifecycle, anti-phishing measures, and periodic testing.

Level 3 (RRBs with Advanced Digital Interfaces)

If RRBs have their own ATM switch or SWIFT interface, they need to follow the advanced controls detailed in Annexure-III, in addition to the controls from Level 1 and 2. This includes advanced real-time threat defense and management, as well as risk-based transaction monitoring.

Level 4 (Digitally Advanced RRBs)

RRBs with a data center or those providing software support to other banks must implement an even more advanced set of controls outlined in Annexure-IV, alongside all the controls from previous levels. This level includes setting up a Cyber Security Operation Centre (C-SOC) and developing an IT and Information Security Governance Framework.

02

Self-Assessment & Timely Compliance

Vault saas2 features feature4 icon

– RRBs are encouraged to undertake a self-assessment to identify their respective levels based on the given criteria.

– It’s imperative for the Board of Directors to oversee the information security of the bank.

– RRBs should comply with the prescribed control requirements within the timelines stipulated in the circular.

The Vulnerability Index for Cyber Security Framework (VICS)

03

Level 1 (All RRBs)

– Utilize the VICS tool to assess the cyber security posture of your bank, as a guide to establish and enhance cyber security controls.

Get free VICS tool template
04

Controls to be Implemented by Respective Levels

Level 1 (All RRBs)

Under this level, RRBs are required to adhere to basic cyber security controls as specified in Annexure-I, which includes:

– Inventory Management of Business IT Assets

– Board approved Cyber Security Policy distinct from IT policy

– Cyber Crisis Management Plan

– Secure Mail and Messaging Systems

– User Access Control/Management

– Antivirus and Patch Management

– Environmental Controls and Network Management

Level 2 (RRBs with Internet or Mobile Banking)

In addition to Level 1 controls, RRBs in this category must implement further controls listed in Annexure-II, such as:

– Application Security Lifecycle (ASLC)

– Change Management and Periodic Testing

– Anti-Phishing Measures

– Authentication Framework for Customers

– Incident Response and Management

– Enhanced User/Employee/Management Awareness

Level 3 (RRBs with Advanced Digital Interfaces)

RRBs at this level need to adhere to the controls of Level 1 and 2, plus additional controls from Annexure-III, which include:

– Advanced Real-time Threat Defense and Management

– Risk-based Transaction Monitoring

– Maintenance, Monitoring, and Analysis of Audit Logs

– Enhanced Incident Response and Management 

Level 4 (Digitally Advanced RRBs)

Alongside the controls from previous levels, RRBs here are required to implement advanced controls as outlined in Annexure-IV, like:

– Establishment of Cyber Security Operation Centre (C-SOC)

– IT and IS Governance Framework

– Participation in Cyber Drills

– Forensics and Metrics

– Security Team/Function establishment

– Continuous Surveillance and Incident Response Management

Your Path to NABARD Compliance Begins with a Free Consultation

We can support you in adhering to the NABARD’s Cyber Security Framework for Regional Rural Banks.

Get free consultation
  • Home
  • Products

      Platform

      Rete.ai

      Rete.ai

      One Platform. One Solution for External Attack Surface management. Comprehend the threat agents aiming at your organization and bolster your defenses accordingly.

      Products

      DMARC+

      DMARC+

      Know delivery challenges of email & Protect your domain from email spoofing attacks.

      PhishGrid

      PhishGrid

      Educate and train your employees against external threats with real time simulation and interactive learning.

      Orion - Brand Defense

      Orion - Brand Defense

      Protect your brand by eliminating counterfeits using AI Powered Takedown Engine
      Dellect - XDR

      Dellect - XDR

      Detect and disrupt cyber threats with unprecedented speed and accuracy to reduce your cyber risk.
  • Services

      Services

      The strength of your cybersecurity measures directly impacts your brand’s trustworthiness and reputation.

      Our services, reinforces your team’s capabilities and ensure you’re always a step ahead in compliance and security.

      Human augmented Services

      Anti-Phishing Service

      Guard your customers and employees against deceptive phishing and other malicious threats with our Anti-Phishing Service.

      Brand Monitoring Service

      Track, analyze, and protect your brand’s reputation in real-time over dark, deep and surface web.

      Takedown Service

      Protect your brand by eliminating counterfeits using AI Powered Takedown Engine

      Red Teaming

      Challenge your defenses with our Red Teaming Service to uncover vulnerabilities before adversaries do.

Schedule a Demo

Get Secured Today!

Click that button and let’s chat! We promise to turn the murky, often scary world of cybersecurity into a walk in the digital park for your organization. Together, let’s make cybersecurity a piece of cake!