The State Bank of India (SBI) has confirmed that it individually notified all customers whose information appeared in the recently reported data breach. The bank shared the update on Friday, October 23, 2026, following criticism over its handling of the incident. SBI faced questions for informing stock exchanges about the breach without initially notifying the affected customers. The bank said it had now contacted the identified customers through email and/or WhatsApp. The development comes amid concerns over the security of customer information.
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SBI Responds to Criticism Over Customer Notifications
SBI issued a statement confirming that it had communicated directly with customers whose data appeared in the identified records. The bank said it used email and WhatsApp to deliver individual notifications. The clarification followed criticism over the bank’s earlier communication regarding the incident. Critics questioned why SBI had informed stock exchanges but had not initially communicated with affected customers. The bank’s latest statement addresses concerns about customer notification.
SBI also sought to reassure customers about the safety of their money and bank accounts. In its statement, the bank reiterated that customers’ account balances and funds remained safe. The assurance aims to address concerns that the reported data breach could affect customers’ finances. However, the notification about exposed information remains a separate issue from the safety of account balances. Customers should remain alert to suspicious calls, messages or emails requesting banking details or OTPs.
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Bank Assures Customers That Their Funds Are Safe
The incident has drawn attention to the importance of protecting customers’ personal and financial information. Data breaches can expose sensitive details and increase the risk of phishing attempts and impersonation scams. Customers should avoid clicking on unknown links or sharing passwords, PINs and OTPs with anyone. They should also verify any communication claiming to come from their bank through official channels. SBI’s statement confirms that the bank has notified the customers whose information it identified in the affected records.
The bank’s latest clarification follows scrutiny over how it communicated the incident to different stakeholders. SBI has stated that it contacted the affected customers individually through email and/or WhatsApp. It has also maintained that customers’ account balances and funds remain safe. The statement provides reassurance on the financial security of accounts while highlighting the importance of transparent communication during data incidents. Customers should continue to follow official bank advisories and report any suspicious activity promptly.
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