In the digital age, cybersecurity is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. Over the past decade, Nepal has witnessed a surge in cyberattacks targeting its government, banking systems, and private sector. From the Paradox CyberGhost breach in 2017 to the recent NMB Bank money heist in 2025, these incidents have exposed critical vulnerabilities in our digital infrastructure. The question is no longer *if* another attack will happen, but when.
The good news? There’s a way to fight back. By adopting the principles of Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Resilience by Design (What is it, Click Here), Nepal can build systems that are not only secure but also capable of withstanding and recovering from cyberattacks. Let’s explore how.
The Rising Tide of Cyberattacks in Nepal
Recent cyberattacks have shaken Nepal’s digital landscape:
- Paradox CyberGhost Breach (2017): Over 58 government websites were compromised, exposing sensitive data.
- NIC Asia Money Heist (2017): Hackers exploited the SWIFT system, attempting to transfer millions abroad.
- NEPS Heist (2020): Vulnerabilities in the Nepal Electronic Payment System led to unauthorized ATM withdrawals.
- Singha Durbar Server Attack (2023): A massive breach disrupted 1,500 government websites, including the immigration server.
- Nepal Rastra Bank Application Breach (2023): A hacker claimed to possess the bank’s source code and sensitive data.
- Mahalaxmi Capital Ransomware Attack (2024): A ransomware group stole data and demanded $10,000.
- F1Soft Money Heist (2024): NPR 35.15 million was stolen through vulnerabilities in F1Soft’s system.
- NMB Bank Money Heist (2025): A software upgrade flaw led to unauthorized fund transfers.
These incidents highlight a stark reality: Nepal’s digital infrastructure is under siege. But why are these attacks succeeding, and what can we do to stop them?
The Solution: Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Resilience by Design
To combat cyber threats, we must rethink how we design, deploy, and maintain our systems. Here’s how these principles can transform Nepal’s cybersecurity landscape:
1. Secure by Design: Building Security from the Ground Up
Imagine constructing a house with reinforced doors and windows from the start, rather than adding locks after a burglary. That’s the essence of Secure by Design.
What It Means: Integrate security into every stage of system development, from design to deployment.
Why It Matters: Prevents vulnerabilities from being introduced in the first place.
Real-World Application:
- Banks can design core systems with encryption and access controls to prevent breaches like the NIC Asia money heist.
- Government agencies can build websites with secure authentication mechanisms to avoid incidents like the President's Website Hacking.
2. Secure by Default: Ensuring Systems Are Safe Out-of-the-Box
A system that’s secure by default requires no extra effort from users to stay safe.
What It Means: Enable strong security settings (e.g., MFA, encryption) by default and disable unnecessary features.
Why It Matters: Reduces human error and ensures immediate protection.
Real-World Application:
- Mobile banking apps like those from F1Soft can enable MFA and encryption by default to prevent incidents like the F1Soft money heist.
- Government servers can be configured with automatic updates and strict access controls to avoid attacks like the Singha Durbar Server Attack.
3. Resilience by Design: Preparing for the Inevitable
No system is 100% secure, but we can ensure they can withstand and recover from attacks.
What It Means: Build systems with redundancy, real-time monitoring, and robust incident response plans.
Why It Matters: Minimizes downtime and data loss during an attack.
Real-World Application:
- Banks can implement real-time transaction monitoring to detect and stop fraudulent activities, as seen in the NEPS Heist.
- Government agencies can use distributed systems and cloud backups to ensure critical services remain operational during attacks like the Government Server Attack (2024).
Why Nepal Must Act Now
The stakes are high. Cyberattacks don’t just disrupt services—they erode public trust, damage reputations, and cost millions. Here’s why adopting these principles is urgent:
- Protecting National Security: Cyberattacks on government systems can cripple essential services and compromise sensitive data.
- Safeguarding the Economy: Breaches in the banking sector can lead to massive financial losses and undermine investor confidence.
- Building Public Trust: Secure systems reassure citizens that their data and money are safe.
A Call to Action: What You Can Do
Whether you’re a government official, a bank executive, or a private sector leader, here’s how you can contribute:
- Government Agencies: Develop policies mandating Secure by Design and Resilience by Design for all public systems. Collaborate with cybersecurity experts to build a national cybersecurity framework.
- Banking Sector: Adopt NRB guidelines for secure system design and conduct regular security audits. Train employees to recognize and respond to cyber threats.
- Private Sector: Invest in advanced cybersecurity tools and collaborate with government agencies to share threat intelligence.
The Road Ahead
The cyber threats facing Nepal are real, but they are not insurmountable. By embracing Secure by Design, Secure by Default, and Resilience by Design, we can build a digital future that is secure, resilient, and trustworthy. The time to act is now—before the next attack strikes.
Let’s work together to safeguard Nepal’s digital infrastructure and ensure a safer tomorrow for all.
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