New Delhi: In a major move to strengthen digital security and protect customers from online fraud, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has directed all banks in the country to migrate their official websites and internet banking portals to a new and secure domain ending with “.bank.in”.
The directive is part of RBI’s broader cybersecurity framework aimed at ensuring safer digital banking and reducing the growing menace of cybercrime. Banks were instructed to complete the migration within the stipulated timeline and several leading public and private sector banks have already transitioned to the new domain structure.
The “.bank.in” domain is an exclusive and restricted domain, available only to banks regulated by the RBI. This exclusivity ensures that unauthorised entities or fraudsters cannot register similar looking websites a common tactic used in phishing and online scam operations.
Reason Behind the Move
The RBI’s decision comes amid a sharp rise in phishing attacks, fake banking websites and digital payment frauds. Scammers often create deceptive websites with minor spelling changes or misleading extensions to trick users into sharing sensitive information such as login credentials, OTPs and debit or credit card details. By mandating a single verified domain for all banks, the RBI aims to create a clear and trusted digital identity, making it easier for customers to identify genuine bank websites.
The move is also expected to improve public confidence in online banking and significantly reduce financial losses caused by cyber fraud.
The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has been authorised as the exclusive registrar for the “.bank.in” domain under the National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI). Banks are required to follow strict security and verification norms before being granted the domain.
What Customers Should Know
Customers are advised to ensure that their bank’s website address ends with “.bank.in” before entering any personal or financial information. They should update saved bookmarks and avoid clicking on suspicious links received through emails, messages or social media.
With this initiative, the RBI aims to create a Safer, More transparent and Fraud resistant digital banking ecosystem, reinforcing trust in India’s rapidly expanding online financial services.
