How The '.bank.in' Domain Strengthens Security And Reduces Digital Banking Fraud

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is taking steps to bolster digital banking security with the introduction of the '.bank.in' domain. This initiative, intended to decrease digital fraud, will require banks to switch to the new domain by October 31, 2025.

What is the '.bank.in' domain

In February 2025, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) announced the '.bank.in' domain to improve the security of online banking services. A domain name serves as a unique and memorable address that helps users locate websites on the internet.

The Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) will serve as the exclusive registrar for the '.bank.in' domain and will offer banks complete migration instructions. This step is part of the RBI's larger attempt to improve cybersecurity.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra in his first Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting after taking office, emphasized the need of banks developing and testing effective incident response and recovery systems to maintain operational resilience and preserve digital banking services.

The '.fin.in' domain is also introduced to secure websites of financial institutions such as insurance companies and fintech firms.

Rising Banking Fraud Cases

During the first half of FY 2024-25 (April-September), India witnessed 18,461 incidents of banking fraud, amounting to a loss of Rs 21,367 crore, as reported by the RBI. This marks a 27 per cent increase in cases and an eightfold rise in the amount involved compared to last year.

RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra highlighted that the introduction of the '.bank.in' domain will enable customers to easily recognize authentic banking websites, thereby minimizing the risk of fraud. A 'fin.in' domain will also be launched to cover the wider financial sector.

Malhotra underlined the need for urgent action to address the rising digital fraud and called for coordinated efforts from all stakeholders to bolster digital security in the banking sector.

How it helps in reducing Bank Fraud

• The '.bank.in' name allows customers to instantly recognize legitimate banking websites. Any website that does not have the ".bank.in" or ".fin.in" domain will be flagged, which lowers the likelihood of falling for phishing scams.

• A unified domain system boosts customer trust in digital banking. With all legitimate banks using '.bank.in', there is less confusion, and cybersecurity awareness is improved.

• The initiative also makes it harder for cybercriminals to replicate banking websites. This can significantly lower the financial losses caused by fraudulent activities, saving billions for the Indian banking sector.

• Banks will improved cyber threat response capabilities as a result of the transfer. A more secure framework is offered by the domain system to enable prompt detection and handling of such frauds.