National Stock Exchange Battles Battles faces 170 million cyberattacks daily

India’s National Stock Exchange Battles faces 170 million cyberattacks daily, withstanding a record 400 million in “Operation Sindoor.” Inside its 24×7 cyber defense strategy.

India’s National Stock Exchange Battles 170 Million Cyberattacks Daily, Peaks at 400 Million During ‘Operation Sindoor’

Unprecedented Cyber Onslaught on India’s Premier Trading Platform

India’s National Stock Exchange (NSE) faces an extraordinary barrage of 150–170 million cyberattacks every single day, according to top exchange officials. Despite the relentless attempts to breach its defenses, the NSE continues to operate seamlessly, safeguarded by a sophisticated cybersecurity infrastructure and a dedicated team of “cyber warriors.”

During a special media visit to NSE’s facilities on Saturday, officials revealed that the exchange successfully withstood a record-breaking 400 million cyberattack attempts in a single day during a recent simulation exercise codenamed “Operation Sindoor.”

‘Operation Sindoor’: Testing NSE’s Resilience

“Operation Sindoor” was a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) simulation designed to test the exchange’s resilience against large-scale cyber onslaughts. Despite the unprecedented number of simulated attacks, NSE systems remained fully functional, with no operational disruptions or data breaches.

Officials emphasized that the success of Operation Sindoor was due to a coordinated defense strategy combining skilled personnel, automated systems, and advanced threat detection technologies.

“Every day, millions of cyberattacks take place on the NSE. But our technical teams, their systems, and technology combat these attacks round the clock using specialized software,”
— Senior NSE Official to PTI.

24×7 Cyber Defense Command Centers

The NSE operates twin cyber defense centers, equipped with specialized software and upgraded systems that monitor, detect, and neutralize threats 24/7 throughout the year.

These centers are manned by dedicated cybersecurity teams working in “constant battle mode,” defending the nation’s financial backbone from cybercriminals, hacktivists, and hostile actors.

Key components of NSE’s cyber defense include:

• Advanced Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS)
• Automated Threat Analysis Tools
• Real-Time Pop-Up Alerts for Suspicious Activity
• Self-correcting Backup Systems
• Continuous Vulnerability Assessment and Penetration Testing (VAPT)

Strict Cybersecurity Protocols and Safeguards

To prevent breaches, the NSE has implemented stringent internal cybersecurity protocols. These include:

• Complete restrictions on external data transfers via pen drives or unauthorized devices
• Controlled email access and data handling
• Mandatory VAPT for all trading members and staff
• Immediate system alerts for suspicious or unauthorized access attempts

These measures ensure a multi-layered defense structure that minimizes human error and maintains operational continuity across all NSE systems.

Adaptive Response During Peak Threat Periods

During the high-threat phase of Operation Sindoor, the NSE took proactive precautionary measures, including temporarily restricting website access for foreign users.

This strategic step underscores NSE’s adaptability and foresight in responding to evolving cyberthreats while maintaining uninterrupted domestic trading operations.

Chennai-Based Backup System: Always Ready, Never Used

The NSE maintains a self-activated backup system based in Chennai, capable of taking over full trading operations remotely in case of a severe cyber incident or system failure.

This backup facility:

• Operates through secure digital procedures and formal approvals
• Can function autonomously with minimal human intervention
• Automatically detects and corrects technical faults or anomalies

Officials noted that this backup system has never had to be activated, reflecting the robustness of NSE’s primary infrastructure.

National Security and Market Stability

The National Stock Exchange serves as a critical pillar of India’s financial infrastructure, making it a high-value target for cyberattacks. NSE’s success in defending against hundreds of millions of daily threats not only protects investor confidence but also safeguards the integrity and stability of India’s financial markets.

With cyber threats growing globally, the NSE’s proactive measures set a benchmark for cybersecurity preparedness in the financial sector.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How many cyberattacks does the NSE face daily?

The National Stock Exchange (NSE) faces between 150 to 170 million cyberattacks every day, ranging from automated probes and malware attempts to phishing and hacking simulations.

2. What was Operation Sindoor?

Operation Sindoor was a DDoS simulation exercise conducted by the NSE to test its cybersecurity resilience. During the exercise, the exchange withstood a record 400 million cyberattack attempts in a single day without any operational disruptions.

3. How does NSE defend against cyberattacks?

NSE employs a multi-layered cybersecurity strategy that includes:

• Twin cyber defense centers operating 24/7
• Advanced intrusion detection and threat monitoring systems
• Automated pop-up alerts and real-time detection of suspicious activity
• Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing for all members and staff
• Strict protocols for emails, external data, and removable devices

4. Who protects NSE’s systems during attacks?

NSE has a team of dedicated “cyber warriors”, combining skilled personnel, automated systems, and advanced technology to detect and neutralize threats in real-time.

5. Does NSE have a backup system in case of an emergency?

Yes, NSE maintains a self-activated backup system located in Chennai. It can operate remotely, autonomously correcting errors, and is designed to take over trading operations in case of a severe cyber incident.

6. Did foreign users get affected during peak cyberattack periods?

During high-threat scenarios like Operation Sindoor, NSE temporarily restricted website access for foreign users as a precaution, ensuring uninterrupted domestic trading operations.

7. Why is NSE a target for cyberattacks?

As India’s premier stock exchange, NSE is a critical financial infrastructure and a high-value target for cybercriminals, hacktivists, and hostile actors. Safeguarding it ensures market stability and investor confidence.

8. What measures ensure NSE’s operations remain uninterrupted?

The NSE combines 24×7 monitoring, automated systems, strict protocols, and human expertise to detect and respond to threats instantly, ensuring continuous and secure trading operations despite millions of cyberattacks daily.