Sebi activates cybersecurity protocols after SMARTs portal breach

The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) has placed its cybersecurity operations on high alert after detecting a code execution attack targeting its SMARTs portal, which facilitates regulatory filings and submissions from market participants.

The attack was identified and contained by Sebi's technical teams, which moved swiftly to isolate the affected systems and prevent further unauthorised access. A preliminary assessment by the regulator indicated that the intrusion did not result in the theft or exposure of sensitive personal information or critical market data.

Sebi has not disclosed specific details about the attack vector or the identity of potential threat actors. The regulator said it was conducting a comprehensive forensic investigation to determine the full scope of the incident and strengthen defences against future attacks.

The SMARTs portal serves as a critical infrastructure for India's financial markets, processing regulatory disclosures from listed companies, fund managers, and other market intermediaries. The incident underscores the growing cybersecurity challenges faced by financial regulators and market infrastructure operators across Asia.