AI threat review: FM Nirmala Sitharaman meets banks, orders cybersecurity steps amid Anthropic Mythos concerns

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman has chaired a high-level meeting with heads of scheduled commercial banks and key stakeholders to assess the potential impact of emerging threats linked to recent developments in artificial intelligence (AI) models, particularly the possibility of such technologies being misused to weaponise software vulnerabilities.

The meeting gains significance amid global concerns around Anthropic's unreleased Claude Mythos model, which has reportedly demonstrated advanced cybersecurity capabilities, including identifying vulnerabilities in operating systems and web browsers.

Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. @nsitharaman today chaired a high-level meeting, along with Union Minister for Electronics and Information Technology, Railways and I&B Shri @AshwiniVaishnaw, with Scheduled Commercial Banks and key stakeholders to assess the... pic.twitter.com/TrQrDCkMKE

-- Ministry of Finance (@FinMinIndia) April 23, 2026

"During the meeting, the Union Finance Minister appreciated the work done by banks so far in strengthening cybersecurity systems and protocols. She noted, however, that the nature of the emerging threat from the latest AI Model is unprecedented and requires a very high degree of vigilance, preparedness and better coordination across financial institutions and banks," the Ministry of Finance said in a post on X.

High-level review with banks, RBI and CERT-In

According to the ministry, the meeting was also attended by Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, senior officials from the Reserve Bank of India, NPCI, Indian Computer Emergency Response Team, the Department of Financial Services, and managing directors and CEOs of banks.

The discussions focused on the possibility of advanced AI models being weaponised to target banking systems, compromise customer data, or threaten financial infrastructure.

Sitharaman calls for stronger vigilance

During the meeting, Sitharaman appreciated the steps already taken by banks to strengthen cybersecurity systems and protocols. However, she noted that the nature of the emerging threat from the latest AI models is unprecedented and requires a high degree of vigilance, preparedness and better coordination across institutions.

She advised the Indian Banks' Association to create a coordinated institutional mechanism that can respond swiftly and effectively to any cyber threat.

Banks asked to hire best cyber experts

The minister also directed banks to engage top cybersecurity professionals and specialised agencies to continuously improve defensive and monitoring capabilities, the ministry stated.

Banks were further told to immediately report any suspicious activity or cyber incident to relevant authorities, including CERT-In, and maintain close coordination with all agencies involved.

Real-time threat intelligence sharing proposed

The government also stressed the need for a robust real-time threat intelligence sharing framework among banks, CERT-In and other agencies so that emerging threats can be detected early and information can be circulated quickly across the ecosystem.

RBI studying risks, systems secure for now

According to a PTI report citing sources, risks and measures needed to deal with AI were discussed at the meeting.

Why Mythos has triggered concern

As per reports, Anthropic's Mythos model can outperform humans in certain cybersecurity tasks and identify thousands of software bugs, including legacy vulnerabilities. The company has not released the model publicly, citing concerns that its capabilities could create unprecedented cybersecurity risks if misused.