Helmi Al-Gmati, Head of the Economics Department at the University of Benghazi, told our source exclusively that the Central Bank of Libya is not merely a banking institution but one of the most important pillars of the country’s economic security, given its role in managing monetary policy, foreign reserves, payment systems, and sensitive financial data.
Al-Gmati explained that the official information released so far indicates that a cyber incident targeted certain technical systems at the Bank. Immediate measures were taken to contain the incident and isolate the affected systems. He stressed that core operations have continued uninterrupted and that there is currently no evidence of any direct impact on customers’ accounts or balances, while technical investigations remain ongoing to determine the exact scope and causes of the incident.
He added that the issue extends beyond the technical dimension, particularly as cyberattacks against financial institutions are increasing worldwide. He noted that the financial sector has become one of the most frequently targeted sectors due to the expansion of digital transformation and electronic services.
Al-Gmati called for transparency and the disclosure of investigation results once they are finalized. He also urged a comprehensive review of the digital infrastructure, the strengthening of cybersecurity systems, the enhancement of emergency response plans, and greater investment in specialized national talent.
He emphasized that digital sovereignty has become an integral part of national sovereignty and that the security of financial institutions is no longer measured solely by the size of reserves or the strength of monetary policies, but also by their ability to protect data and systems from growing cyber threats.
According to Al-Gmati, the positive aspect of the incident is that it serves as a wake-up call, encouraging the development of a more efficient and resilient cybersecurity framework that can help safeguard financial stability and strengthen public confidence in the banking sector.
