RBI’s Directive To Banks on Migration to ‘.bank.in’ Domain

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the security of digital banking and combating growing cybersecurity threats, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has mandated all banks to transition their existing web domains to the new ‘.bank.in’ domain by October 31, 2025. This directive comes in response to the increasing number of frauds in digital payment systems and aims to create a more secure and trusted online banking environment. By adopting this exclusive domain, banks will be able to mitigate cybersecurity risks, such as phishing attacks, and ensure the safety of digital transactions. The RBI has entrusted the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) as the registrar for the new domain, which will be managed under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Key Aspects of RBI’s Directive

Objective of the Directive

• The primary aim is to enhance cybersecurity for the digital banking ecosystem and minimize fraudulent activities such as phishing, which are prevalent in online banking transactions.
• The ‘.bank.in’ domain will be a unique and secure identifier for Indian banks, strengthening the public’s trust in digital payment systems.

Timeline for Migration

• Banks are required to complete the migration of their existing domains to ‘.bank.in’ by October 31, 2025.
• The RBI has urged banks to begin the transition process as soon as possible to ensure the security and credibility of digital banking platforms.

Role of IDRBT

• The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has been appointed as the exclusive registrar for the ‘.bank.in’ domain.
• IDRBT will assist banks in the registration process and provide guidance on the technical aspects of domain migration.

Security Benefits

• The ‘.bank.in’ domain is designed specifically for banking institutions in India, making it less vulnerable to cyberattacks.
• This migration will help to reduce instances of fraudulent websites mimicking genuine bank sites, thus preventing phishing attacks.

Collaboration with NIXI and MeitY

• The National Internet Exchange of India (NIXI) has been designated as the authority for overseeing the ‘.bank.in’ domain’s operations.
• The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) supports this initiative, reflecting the government’s commitment to strengthening India’s cybersecurity infrastructure.

Contact Details for Banks

• Banks wishing to initiate the migration process should contact IDRBT at sahyog@idrbt.ac.in for assistance.
• IDRBT will provide the necessary support and guidance on the technical and procedural aspects of the migration.

Impact on Digital Banking and Payments

Enhanced Trust in Digital Banking

• By adopting the ‘.bank.in’ domain, banks will not only improve security but also enhance consumer confidence in online banking and financial transactions.
• Customers will be able to easily identify legitimate bank websites, reducing the risk of falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Cybersecurity Strengthening

• The introduction of this domain is a step towards bolstering the nation’s cybersecurity efforts and safeguarding critical financial services from cybercriminals.
• With this exclusive domain, the RBI aims to create a more resilient and secure digital financial infrastructure.

Streamlined Online Services

• The migration will also simplify the process of verifying legitimate banking sites, streamlining the customer experience when accessing online banking services.
• By moving to a secure, recognized domain, banks will be part of a broader initiative to improve online security for financial services.