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PPB Module CChapter Notes5–7 Marks Expected

Security Considerations and Mitigation Measures in Banks

Principles & Practices of Banking | Module C · Chapter 48

Covers the full security landscape in computerised banking — risk areas, threat taxonomy, control mechanisms, audit approaches (around/through/with computer), IS audit, IS security (CIA framework), cyber fraud modus operandi (phishing, vishing, BEC, SIM swapping), disaster recovery (RTO/RPO), the IT Act 2000, digital signatures, the G. Gopalakrishna Committee's 9-chapter report, and the Integrated Ombudsman Scheme 2021.

By Bankopedia.co.inUpdated 2026JAIIB PPB · Module C

📌 Why This Chapter Matters in JAIIB

Expect 5–7 questions from this chapter. Key exam focus areas: Risk areas (Data/Software, Infrastructure, Peopleware — three components of a computerised environment); Threat types (Accidental: environmental hazards, human errors, unreliable systems; Malicious: interruption of services, frauds); Control types (Preventive eliminates errors from reoccurring; Detective identifies errors after they occur; Corrective removes effects of errors); Audit approaches (Around the Computer: examines I/O without touching software; Through the Computer: uses computers to test logic; With the Computer: uses CAATT software); IS Audit 4 control types (Deterrent, Preventive, Detective, Corrective); IS Security CIA (Confidentiality, Availability, Integrity); Threats (Phishing, Vishing, Smishing, Ransomware, DDoS/Botnet, Malware, Spear Phishing, Whaling, BEC, SIM Swapping); Disaster Recovery (RPO = point in past to which you recover; RTO = point in future when you are back up — for banks RPO ideally = zero); Gopalakrishna Committee (9 chapters: IT Governance, Information Security, IT Operations, Outsourcing, IS Audit, Cyber Fraud, BCP, Customer Education, Legal Issues); Ombudsman Scheme 2021 (integrates 3 prior schemes; no limit on dispute amount; appeal within 30 days).

Key Facts & References — Chapter 48 at a Glance

3 risk components:Data & Software, Infrastructure (hardware/networking/power), Peopleware (stagnation, attrition)
Preventive control:Eliminates errors from reoccurring — e.g. good UI validation design
Detective control:Identifies errors after they occur — e.g. input validation programme checking boundary limits
Corrective control:Removes or reduces effects of errors after identification — e.g. error communications/alerts
Physical controls:Access to computer room, output hard copies, smoke detectors/fire extinguishers, source code not on system
Logical controls:Access control at directory/file level (OS) and record/field level (database); authentication + authorisation
Audit trail:Chronological record of all events; Accounting trail (data updates) + Operations trail (resource consumption)
Checksum:Number calculated on key data items to verify file integrity at day-begin; involves account number, balances, names
Data encryption:Converts data to ciphertext; MAC (Message Authentication Code) verifies integrity of EFT message in transit
Data masking:Hides personal data (card numbers, SSN, names) to prevent breaches; used in test/dev environments from production data
Audit around computer:Examines I/O; no direct examination of application software; suitable for simple systems with clear audit trails
Audit through computer:Uses computers to test logic and records; useful for complex systems with large data volumes
Audit with computer:Uses CAATT (Computer-Aided Audit Tools and Techniques) — software to audit computer-generated files and evaluate internal controls
IS Audit objective:Collect & evaluate evidence: can system safeguard assets, maintain data integrity, achieve goals, use resources efficiently?
4 IS Audit controls:Deterrent (discourage), Preventive (prevent), Detective (detect — honeypots, IDS), Corrective (recover — BCP, patching)
IS Security CIA:Confidentiality (authorised users only), Availability (authorised persons when required), Integrity (authorised modification only)
CISO:Chief Information Security Officer — rank of GM/DGM/AGM; reports to Head of Risk Management (NOT CIO)
Phishing:Fraudulent e-mail/website impersonating bank; asks for account number, card number, PIN; creates sense of urgency
Vishing:Voice call fraud; impersonates bank/telecom; asks for KYC update, unblocking account/SIM
Smishing:SMS-based fraud; contains URL or phone number; asks for User ID, Password, ATM PIN via return SMS
DDoS:Distributed Denial of Service; Botnet (compromised systems) floods target system → shuts it down
Ransomware:Blocks access to victim data or threatens to publish it unless ransom is paid
Whaling:Spear phishing targeted at senior executives / high-profile targets
BEC:Business Email Compromise; tricks people into transferring money to criminal bank accounts by impersonating someone in the organisation
SIM Swapping:Fraudster contacts cell operator under false pretences → existing SIM deactivated → new SIM issued → OTP intercepted
RPO:Recovery Point Objective — point in the PAST to which data is recovered; ideally zero for banks
RTO:Recovery Time Objective — point in the FUTURE at which bank will be up and running again
IT Act 2000:Received President's assent 9 June 2000; gives legal recognition to EDI, Electronic Records, Electronic Signatures; amended in 2008
Digital Signature:Uses public-private key pair (asymmetric cryptography); Private Key creates signature; Public Key verifies it
Gopalakrishna Committee:Set up April 2010; final report 29 April 2011; 9 chapters; Working Group on Information Security, Electronic Banking, Tech Risk Management & Cyber Fraud
Ombudsman 2021:Integrates 3 prior schemes (Banking Ombudsman 2006, NBFC Ombudsman 2018, Digital Transactions Ombudsman 2019); no limit on dispute amount; appeal within 30 days
1

Introduction & Risk Concern Areas

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48.1

Introduction

Banking operations are prone to various risks and online frauds. The deployment of IT has changed the scale of risks, but not their nature. Securing technology and protecting customer data is one of the highest priorities for any financial institution. The unprecedented growth in digital payments and the push towards a cashless economy has intensified focus on financial cybersecurity.

Risks in a Computerised Environment Broadly Lead To
1Incorrect decision making → setback to the business
2Interruption in activities due to loss of data, hardware, software, peopleware
3Violation of privacy
4Direct financial loss due to computer frauds
48.2

Risk Concern Areas — 3 Components of a Computerised Environment

A typical computerised environment has three interdependent but separate components: Data, Software, and Hardware. Risks are not specific to banking — they exist in all business activities.

48.2.1 Data & Software

  • Data is critical for continuing operations — incorrect data leads to wrong decisions
  • Lack of control over data enables fraud by unscrupulous elements
  • Confidential data falling into wrong hands damages customer relations and bank reputation
  • Unauthorised changes to application software directly lead to fraud
  • Utility software on operational systems can bypass validation controls
  • Errors due to software modifications are difficult to detect

48.2.2 Infrastructure

  • Hardware: CPUs, controllers, modems, switches/multiplexers, routers
  • Environment: Precision ACs, fire extinguishers, smoke detectors
  • Power supply: UPS, CVT (constant voltage stabilisers), generators
  • Equipment not regularly maintained → malfunctioning → service interruption or asset/data loss

48.2.3 Peopleware

Refers to the role played by persons directly or indirectly involved in managing computerised systems.

  • (a) Stagnation in knowledge and skill levels → affects efficiency of newer systems
  • (b) High turnover due to attrition → difficult to get suitable replacements
  • Impact felt most for technical staff handling highly specialised functions
  • Impact comes from both internal staff and software house personnel
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Types of Threats & Control Mechanism

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48.3

Different Types of Threats

48.3.1 Accidental Damages

Environmental Hazards

Fire, floods, unstabilised power supply, natural calamities — systems not properly tested also lead to higher failure rates.

Human Errors and Omissions

Errors occur at time of: (a) systems design/process development, (b) data entry at terminal, (c) programme maintenance and corrections.

Primary cause: Human failure. Secondary cause: Machine failure.

Unreliable Systems

In multi-programming/multi-user environments, systems are prone to errors and intentional frauds. Customisation of standard packages often introduces new errors.

48.3.2 Malicious Damages

Interruption in Services

From disgruntled employees or individuals with mala fide intentions. Branches/delivery channels are networked — any damage can bring system down partially or completely. Banks must build redundancy (24×7 for critical infrastructure).

Frauds — Common Methods

  • Utility programmes used to make unauthorised changes bypassing validation controls
  • Unauthorised amendments to payment instructions before entry into system
  • Unauthorised manipulation of important files bypassing security controls
  • Unauthorised programme changes causing automatic fraudulent transactions
  • In networked systems: intercepting data in transit
48.4

Control Mechanism — 4 Types

48.4.1 Physical Controls

  • Control over access to assets — only authorised persons enter computer room
  • Software techniques protect against unlimited access attempts
  • Access log maintained; passwords, PIN, or biometric fingerprint verification
  • Routine checks: smoke detectors, fire extinguishers must be effective and operational
  • Control over outputs: hard copies preserved; access only to authorised persons
  • Source code of running system not available on system to avoid tampering

48.4.2 Logical Controls

  • Operating system controls access at directory and file level
  • Database controls access at record and field level
  • Two types: Authentication (only authorised users access) + Authorisation (just-minimum access to files/directories)
  • System Administration manages both authentication and authorisation in operating systems
  • Provide interface between application controls and general IS controls

48.4.3 Internal Controls

  • Check accuracy and reliability of accounting data, ensure operational efficiency, safeguard assets
  • Two types: Application controls (dual controls, validation checks, numerical sequencing) + Administrative controls (defined responsibilities, formal policies/procedures)
  • For customer accounting: validations on stop payments, post-dated/stale cheques, invalid dates
  • Verification of sensitive parameters: due dates, drawing limits, rates, stop instructions

48.4.4 Operational Controls

  • Embedded in software to ensure data integrity, consistency, and processing
  • Example: verification of checksum and database integrity as part of day-begin functions
  • Audit trail types: Accounting audit trail (data updates) + Operations audit trail (resource consumption)
  • Both successful and unsuccessful transactions logged with terminal no., user-id, transaction details, timestamp

Checksum

Number calculated on key data items of a file to ensure integrity. In branch banking, checksum from closing of previous day is tallied with day-begin of next day. Involves: account number, balances, account holder names.

Data Encryption

Systematically converts data to ciphertext (non-readable form). In EFT systems, MAC (Message Authentication Code) is a secret key applied to selected data items to verify message integrity in transit. MAC is recalculated by receiver — if different, message was altered.

Data Masking

Hides personal data (credit card numbers, SSN, names, addresses, phone numbers) to prevent breaches. Used in test/development environments created from production data. Helps meet PCI DSS and other compliance requirements.

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