India’s banking and financial sector is rapidly digitizing, but with growth comes increased exposure to cyber threats. To protect customers, data, and operations, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has introduced Cybersecurity Baseline Controls , a framework that defines minimum security standards for banks, NBFCs, and other financial institutions.

At Threatsys, we help organizations achieve RBI-compliant, resilient security environments. Here’s a streamlined guide on how banks and NBFCs can implement these controls effectively. 

The 2025 RBI Compliance Checklist for Banks & NBFCs

1. Start with a Cybersecurity Gap Assessment

Before implementing controls, you need to understand where you stand. Conduct a thorough assessment of your current cybersecurity posture to identify gaps against RBI’s baseline requirements. This step helps prioritize remediation and create a clear compliance roadmap.

2. Strengthen Governance & Risk Management

RBI expects cybersecurity to be board-driven. Establish a Board-approved cybersecurity policy, appoint a CISO, and implement a risk management framework that includes periodic risk assessments, incident reporting protocols, and policy reviews. Strong governance ensures accountability and structured decision-making.

3. Secure Network & System Architecture

Segmentation and layered defenses are critical. Isolate critical systems like core banking, payment gateways, and APIs behind firewalls. Use network segmentation, intrusion detection/prevention systems, and continuous monitoring to reduce exposure. A secure architecture limits the impact of any potential breach.

4. Implement Access Controls & Privileged Management

Control who can access sensitive systems and data. Enforce multi-factor authentication, role-based access, and strict privileged account monitoring. Regularly review permissions and ensure third-party vendor access is time-bound and continuously monitored.

5. Protect Data in Transit & at Rest

Data is only secure if properly encrypted. Apply encryption standards like TLS for data in transit and AES for stored data. Maintain strict key management, implement tokenization where possible, and classify sensitive data to prevent leakage.

6. Build an Effective Incident Response Plan

Cyber incidents are inevitable. Prepare by establishing a clear Incident Response Plan (IRP), conducting tabletop exercises and cyber-drills, and defining regulatory reporting procedures. Early detection and rapid response reduce damage and help maintain compliance.

7. Monitor Continuously with SOC & SIEM

RBI requires ongoing monitoring of critical systems. Deploy a Security Operations Center (SOC) or centralized monitoring using SIEM tools to detect anomalies in real time. Continuous monitoring ensures threats are identified and remediated before they escalate.

8. Manage Vendor & Third-Party Risk

Most breaches today come via third-party partners. Assess vendors’ cybersecurity posture, integrate contractual security requirements, and maintain continuous oversight. Ensure all third parties handling sensitive systems meet RBI’s baseline controls.

9. Strengthen Business Continuity & Disaster Recovery

RBI compliance mandates resilient operations. Validate DR sites, backup integrity, and failover mechanisms. Regularly test your Business Continuity Plan (BCP) to ensure critical systems remain operational during cyber incidents.

10. Train Employees & Foster Cyber Awareness

Humans are often the weakest link. Conduct regular security awareness programs, phishing simulations, and role-based training for IT staff, developers, SOC teams, and leadership. A security-aware culture is essential for sustained RBI compliance.

11. Maintain Governance, Audits & Documentation

RBI compliance requires ongoing governance. Maintain documentation for policies, procedures, network diagrams, incident logs, and audit evidence. Regular audits and reviews ensure that your security posture is continuously aligned with RBI expectations.

How Threatsys Helps Brokers Stay RBI-Compliant in 2025

Threatsys supports banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions at every stage of their RBI cybersecurity compliance journey. Our services include:

• Strengthening network architecture, access controls, and system configurations as per RBI’s baseline security requirements
• Conducting RBI-aligned cybersecurity gap assessments and compliance readiness reviews
• Enhancing security across core banking systems, digital channels, APIs, and critical infrastructure
• Deploying and optimizing monitoring, logging, SIEM systems, and governance frameworks
• Building incident response plans, performing cyber-drills, and supporting regulatory incident reporting
• Validating BCP/DR readiness through backup checks, DR site assessments, and continuity planning
• Providing 24×7 SOC monitoring, threat detection, and vulnerability management across critical systems

With our expertise across India’s financial ecosystem, we ensure your organization is not only RBI-compliant but resilient against real-world cyber threats.

Conclusion

RBI Cybersecurity Baseline Controls are essential for safeguarding banks, NBFCs, and financial institutions in India’s digital landscape. Compliance ensures customer data protection, operational resilience, and reduced cyber risks.

With Threatsys’s end-to-end support ,from gap assessments and secure architecture to SOC monitoring and employee training institutions can achieve seamless compliance while staying resilient against real-world cyber threats.