In a move to bolster online security and combat the rising threat of digital fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all banks to migrate their websites to the new, secure ".bank.in" domain. The deadline for this transition was October 31, 2025. This initiative aims to create a safer online environment for customers and reduce the risk of falling victim to phishing scams and fraudulent websites.
The RBI's directive is a response to the increasing number of cyber fraud incidents targeting the banking sector. Cybercriminals often create fake banking websites that closely resemble legitimate ones, tricking users into divulging their personal banking details. These "lookalike" websites often have minor changes in the URL, making it difficult for customers to distinguish them from genuine sites.
The ".bank.in" domain is exclusively available to verified entities regulated by the RBI. This exclusivity ensures that only legitimate banking institutions can register and use the domain, making it a far more secure option than generic domains like ".com" or ".co.in". The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT), a subsidiary of the RBI, has been appointed as the exclusive registrar for the ".bank.in" domain. This means that IDRBT will be responsible for verifying the authenticity of banks before granting them the right to use the domain.
With the migration deadline passed, customers are now being urged to exercise caution and verify website addresses before logging into their online banking accounts. Customers should ensure that the website address ends with ".bank.in" to confirm that they are accessing the official website of their bank. Banks are also expected to redirect old website links to the new domain and clearly communicate the change to their customers.
This move by the RBI is expected to significantly enhance trust in digital banking and reduce the risk of online fraud. By creating a secure and verified online presence for all banks, the RBI aims to protect customers from financial losses and promote the use of digital transactions. While the ".bank.in" domain offers an additional layer of security, customers are still advised to remain vigilant and adopt safe online banking practices. This includes using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links, and regularly monitoring their bank accounts for any unauthorized transactions. The RBI's initiative represents a crucial step towards building a more secure and resilient digital banking ecosystem in India.
