Aadhaar security tips: 7 tips to prevent your Aadhaar details from being misused

Aadhaar is a verifiable 12-digit identification number issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to a resident of India. The UIDAI is responsible for ensuring the security and confidentiality of the information gathered related to Aadhaar. According to the UIDAI website, “Protection of the individual, and the safeguarding their information is inherent in the design of the UID project. From having a random number which does not reveal anything about the individual to other features listed below, the UID project keeps the interest of the resident at the core of its purpose and objectives.”

However, it is also our responsibility to make sure that our Aadhaar details are not in the wrong hands due to our negligence. So, the UIDAI has issued tweets, via their official Twitter account, to create awareness and tips to protect our Aadhaar details from being misused by fraudsters.

1. Verify Aadhaar before accepting

Aadhaar holders can verify Aadhaar details and confirm the facts by entering the Aadhaar number and captcha to authenticate Aadhaar existence. You can easily verify any aadhaar number presented to you.

According to a tweet by UIDAI, “All 12-digit numbers are not Aadhaar. It is recommended that the Aadhaar should be verified before accepting it as identity proof.”

Also read: How to verify Aadhaar in two simple steps

2. Never share Aadhaar OTP

Aadhaar OTP is a simple and effective way to use Aadhaar authentication from any location. Make sure to never share it to another person to use on your behalf. You can also scan and check your Aadhaar registered mobile number.

According to a tweet by UIDAI, “Aadhaar OTP is a convenient and powerful tool to use Aadhaar authentication from anywhere. Use it yourself. Never share it with anyone else for use on your behalf.”

3. Delete Aadhaar file after downloading

If you have downloaded your e Aadhaar from any public computer, than make sure to delete the downloaded file from the public computer after transferring or taking printout of the file.

Also download Aadhaar only from official website, according to the UIDAI tweet, “Download your Aadhaar only from the official UIDAI portal: https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genricDownloadAadhaar… If you have used a public computer to download, don’t forget to delete the downloaded file”

4. Check Aadhaar authentication history

If you have used your Aadhaar at multiple places and on many occasions, then better to check your Aadhaar authentication history.

According to the official tweet, “You can check the Aadhaar Authentication History of up to 50 authentications in the past 6 months. The exact date and time of Authentication are mentioned in the results, which can help you notice if there’s an unintended authentication entry.”

Also read: How to check Aadhaar authentication history

5. Lock Aadhaar to prevent misuse

Aadhar holders can lock biometrics to prevent any possible misuse by anyone and unlock it easily when necessary. However, keep your VID handy as it will be required.

VID is a 16-digit revocable random number that is linked to the Aadhaar number. When performing authentication or e-KYC services, VID can be utilised instead of Aadhaar number.

According to the UIDAI tweet, “Lock your Aadhaar biometrics to prevent any possible misuse by anyone. To lock/unlock your Aadhaar, use mAadhaar App or click on the link: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock…. Please note that your VID is mandatory for this service.”

Also read: How to lock, unlock Aadhaar biometric details online

6. Use Masked Aadhaar

You can utilise VID or Masked Aadhaar if you don’t want to reveal your #Aadhaar number; it is genuine and widely accepted.

According to UIDAI tweet, “If you don’t want to disclose your Aadhaar number, then you can use VID or Masked Aadhaar, it is valid and accepted widely.”

Also read: How to download masked Aadhaar card

8. Update your mobile number

One must always update their latest mobile number in aadhaar. If you’re unsure whether your right mobile number or email address has been linked to your Aadhaar account. As per UIDAI tweet, “Always keep your mobile number updated in Aadhaar. If you have any doubt about whether your correct mobile number or email has been linked with Aadhaar, you can verify the same using this linkhttps://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/verify-email-mobile”

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