Banks must protect systems, ATMs with Windows XP: RBI

RBI said some of the systems, including ATMs, may still be working on Windows XP, banks are advised to take immediate steps

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Wednesday said banks must take steps to protect systems and ATMs working on Windows XP from attacks as Microsoft will stop giving updates and solutions for bugs in the operating system.

"It is learnt that Microsoft will stop issuing updates and patches for bugs in its Windows XP operating system (released in 2001) from April 8," RBI said in a statement.

The probability of attacks on such a system may increase and it may be difficult to defend such attacks in the absence of Microsoft support, RBI added.

The central bank said as some of the systems, including ATMs, may still be working on Windows XP, banks are advised to take immediate steps to implement appropriate systems and controls in this regard.

In February, the Indian Banks' Association (IBA), the banking industry lobby group, had issued an advisory banks to ensure business continuity after Microsoft ends support for its popular Windows XP operating system on April 8.

IBA executive said banks are alert to risks. Few systems are working on Windows XP and they have begun work to safeguard system. The association will review the preparations soon.