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India’s NSE and BSE Restrict Overseas Website Access Amid Cybersecurity Concerns

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India’s two largest stock exchanges, the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and BSE Ltd, have temporarily curbed access to their websites for overseas users, according to three sources familiar with the matter. The move is precautionary in nature and does not impact foreign investors’ ability to trade on Indian markets, the sources emphasized.

The decision followed a joint meeting of the exchanges on Tuesday, where cybersecurity threats were discussed, one source said. While no specific attacks have been confirmed, the BSE acknowledged cyber threat monitoring as part of its protective protocol, adding that access is being granted on a case-by-case basis.

The restriction comes amid heightened regional tensions, particularly in light of ongoing geopolitical friction between India and Pakistan, though the sources did not directly link the decision to recent conflict-related developments.

“BSE, being a critical market infrastructure institution (MII), proactively and continuously monitors risks… and based on such monitoring… blocks certain websites/locations to protect users and systems,” a BSE spokesperson said in a statement to Reuters.

Indian markets continue to operate normally, and there is no indication of disruption to core trading systems. The move reflects growing caution among global financial institutions as cyberattacks targeting sensitive financial infrastructure increase in frequency and sophistication.

The NSE has not yet commented on the development.

SK Group Chairman Chey Apologizes for Major SK Telecom Data Breach, Pledges Security Overhaul

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SK Group Chairman Chey Tae-won issued a public apology on Wednesday following a significant data breach at SK Telecom, South Korea’s largest mobile carrier, which has sparked alarm among its 23 million users over potential theft of personal and financial information.

The breach, detected on April 18, was attributed to a malware attack, and has led to widespread concern and customer action. Thousands have visited SK Telecom outlets to replace their USIM (Universal Subscriber Identity Module) cards, which the company is offering free of charge.

Chey, speaking for the first time since the breach became public, said, “I believe we need to look at this as a matter of national defence, not just (data) security.” He acknowledged a need for a more comprehensive and strategic approach to cybersecurity, noting that the company previously treated such threats as a standard IT issue handled internally.

In response to the breach, SK Telecom has launched a USIM Protection Service, which it says provides equivalent protection to replacing the USIM card. Chey confirmed he enrolled in the service but had not yet replaced his own card.

The chairman also pledged a full-scale security review involving external cybersecurity experts to prevent similar incidents in the future and restore public trust in the company’s data protection capabilities.

Meta Wins $168 Million Verdict Against Spyware Firm NSO Group in Landmark Privacy Case

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Meta Platforms secured a major legal victory on Tuesday, winning a $168 million verdict against Israeli surveillance firm NSO Group in a landmark case centered on unlawful spyware deployment through WhatsApp. The jury in a California court awarded $444,719 in compensatory damages and $167.3 million in punitive damages, concluding a six-year legal battle.

The case stems from a 2019 lawsuit filed by Meta’s subsidiary WhatsApp, which accused NSO of exploiting a vulnerability in the app to install spyware on users’ phones. A December 2023 ruling had already confirmed NSO’s liability, and Tuesday’s verdict marks a rare legal reckoning for a company in the secretive spyware industry.

Meta hailed the outcome as a “step forward for privacy and security,” calling it the first legal victory against the development and use of illegal spyware that threatens global user safety.

NSO, which rose to global notoriety in 2016, is known for its controversial Pegasus spyware, used by governments and intelligence agencies. While the company claims its tools are used to combat terrorism and child exploitation, investigations have linked its software to abusive surveillance practices in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Poland, Mexico, and El Salvador.

In response to the ruling, NSO said it would explore legal options, including an appeal.

The trial also offered a rare glimpse into NSO’s inner workings, revealing details about its 140-person research team, a $50 million budget dedicated to exploiting smartphone vulnerabilities, and clients including Uzbekistan, Saudi Arabia, and Mexico. District Judge Phyllis Hamilton criticized NSO for repeatedly failing to comply with court orders and for withholding key evidence during discovery.

Human rights advocates called the ruling a pivotal moment for accountability in the surveillance industry. Natalia Krapiva of Access Now said it sends a strong message to spyware firms: “There will be consequences if you act recklessly or unlawfully.”