Hyderabad: As the October 31 deadline set by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) for domain migration approaches, more than 200 banks across the country are preparing to shift their online platforms to the new “.bank.in” domain. The move, mandated by the RBI, aims to strengthen cybersecurity and ensure that customers can easily identify authentic banking websites.

According to officials, the Institute for Development and Research in Banking Technology (IDRBT) has been appointed as the exclusive registrar for the new domain. All banks, including public sector, private, cooperative, and regional rural banks, have been instructed to complete the migration process and shut down their old URLs by the end of October.

The RBI directive, issued earlier this year, comes amid a rise in phishing and spoofing attacks that often target online banking users. By standardizing all official bank websites under the “.bank.in” domain, the central bank hopes to create a more secure digital banking environment and boost customer confidence in online transactions.

Several major institutions, including the State Bank of India, HDFC Bank, Punjab National Bank, and Canara Bank, have already begun transitioning to the new web addresses. The process involves extensive backend changes, such as updating APIs, ensuring seamless redirection from old sites, and informing customers about the change to avoid confusion or disruption.

While the migration marks a significant step toward improving cybersecurity, it also presents operational challenges. Banks are required to not only update their websites but also modify references in mobile banking apps, digital payment gateways, and customer communication systems.

Cybersecurity experts have welcomed the initiative, noting that the uniform domain will make it harder for fraudsters to create fake banking sites. However, they have also warned that the transition period could see an increase in phishing attempts as scammers try to exploit customer confusion.

The RBI has urged banks to raise awareness among customers, advising them to verify web addresses carefully and rely only on official sources for online banking. Once the transition is complete, old domains will either be redirected to the new “.bank.in” addresses or phased out entirely.

With only days left until the deadline, the Indian banking sector is in the final phase of one of its most comprehensive digital overhauls, a move expected to set a new benchmark for online security and trust in financial services.