Knowing a person’s IBAN does not allow money to be withdrawn or transferred from their account, the National Bank of Moldova (NBM) said on 2 November 2026. Against the backdrop of the cyberattack on some public digital services, the institution warns that false information about the banking sector in the Republic of Moldova is circulating.
What does knowing an IBAN allow—and what does it not allow?
An IBAN is an identification code for a bank account, not authorisation to use the money in it, the NBM explains. Withdrawals or transfers require the checks and approvals requested by the bank.
According to the institution, clients’ accounts are managed by banks in their own protected systems, separate from the public platforms affected by the attack. The NBM thus rejects claims that simply knowing an IBAN would provide access to the account holder’s savings.
How can clients verify a suspicious request?
Clients should not disclose their account passwords, PIN, card security codes or confirmation codes received by SMS or in their banking app, the NBM recommends. This recommendation also applies when the person making the request claims to be speaking on behalf of a bank or public institution.
A request for confidential data should be verified directly with the bank by calling the number printed on the card or using the contact details published on the bank’s official website. The central bank urges the public to make decisions based on information confirmed by the authorities and by the bank where they hold an account.
What does the NBM say about banks’ security?
Banks and payment service providers are required to comply with minimum requirements for information security, IT risk management and business continuity, according to the NBM. These rules are intended to protect the systems and information they manage, including clients’ data.
The central bank says the banking sector is solid and well capitalised. According to the NBM, banks have the resources and financial reserves to meet their obligations to clients, including in unforeseen circumstances, and the institution continues to supervise and monitor the sector.
Sources
- Banca Națională a Moldovei — BNM îndeamnă publicul să nu se lase indus în eroare de dezinformările despre sectorul bancar, răspândite în urma atacului cibernetic
Written with AI assistance from the official sources above and checked by the editors.
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