With this action, citizens will have more control over how to secure Aadhaar Card against Fraudsters of their personal identity information.
How to secure Aadhaar Card against Fraudsters
In a time when identity theft and digital transactions are increasing, protecting personal data has become crucial. Aadhaar locking is a crucial component of the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). This tool was developed by the authorities to enable people to safeguard their personal identity information and steer clear of any fraud or scams.
Aadhaar Card Locking: What Is It?
A technique called Aadhaar locking enables people to lock and unlock their Aadhaar numbers. Residents now have more control over the protection of their personal identity information thanks to this action.
How To Lock Your UID?
Residents can use the mAadhaar app or the official UIDAI website, www.myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in, to lock their UID (Unique Identification Number).
People who choose to use this security feature limit the use of UID, UID Token, and VID (virtual ID) for biometric, demographic, and OTP authentication.
People require a 16-digit VID number in order to lock the UID. If they don’t already have one, you may get it by SMS by texting ‘GVID’ to 1947, then the last four or eight digits of the UID (e.g., GVID 1234).
An alternative is for them to go to the UIDAI website, pick Aadhaar Lock & Unlock services, click the UID Lock Radio Button, and enter the security code, pin code, complete name, and UID number. Upon choosing OTP or TOTP, the UID will be locked effectively.
How Can Your UID Be Unlocked?
To unlock the UID, users can utilise the most recent VID on the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar app. ‘RVID’ and the final four or eight UID numbers can be sent via SMS to 1947 (e.g., RVID 1234).
Alternatively, on the UIDAI website, users may pick the Unlock radio option, enter the Latest VID and security code, then click on OTP or TOTP for a successful UID unlock.
How Can I Get My VID Back After I Forget?
After locking the UID, a person can use SMS to obtain their VID back if they lose it. They can obtain the VID on their registered mobile number by sending ‘RVID’ to 1947 along with the final four or eight digits of their UID (for example, RVID 1234).
How to secure Aadhaar Card against Fraudsters: 7 ways to stop your Aadhaar information from being exploited
A resident of India is given an Aadhaar, a 12-digit verified identity number, by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). The UIDAI is in charge of protecting the privacy and security of the data collected about Aadhaar. The UIDAI website states that “The UID project is designed with individual protection and information safeguarding as a fundamental component.” The UID project places resident interest at the centre of its goals and purposes, including various characteristics such as a random number that does not expose personal information.
But it’s also our duty to ensure that, as a result of our carelessness, our Aadhaar information don’t end up in the wrong hands. Through its official Twitter account, the UIDAI has posted messages to raise awareness and provide advice on how to prevent fraudsters from misusing our Aadhaar data.
1. Check Aadhaar before submitting
By entering their Aadhaar number and completing the captcha to validate their Aadhaar existence, Aadhaar holders may validate their Aadhaar data and facts. Any given Aadhaar number may be readily verified. UIDAI stated in a tweet that “Not all 12-digit numbers are Aadhaar.” Before recognising the Aadhaar as identification documentation, it is advised that it be validated.
2. Never disclose the Aadhaar OTP
One easy and efficient approach to utilise Aadhaar authentication from anywhere is via Aadhaar OTP. Never give it to someone else to utilise on your behalf. You may also use your Aadhaar registered cellphone number to scan and verify.
“Aadhaar OTP is a convenient and powerful tool to use Aadhaar authentication from anywhere,” reads a tweet from UIDAI. Put it to use for yourself. You should never give it to someone else to utilise on your behalf.”
3. After downloading, delete the Aadhaar file
Make careful to remove the downloaded file from the public computer after transferring or printing the e-Aadhaar. This is especially important if you downloaded it from a public computer.
Additionally, get your Aadhaar exclusively from the official UIDAI portal, which is located at https://eaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/genric, in accordance with the UIDAI tweet. Get Aadhaar here. Remember to erase the file you downloaded if you did so on a public computer.
4. Look into the history of Aadhaar authentication
It is essential to review your Aadhaar authentication history if you have used your Aadhaar frequently and in a variety of locations.
“You can check the Aadhaar Authentication History of up to 50 authentications in the past 6 months,” reads the official tweet. The findings include the precise time and date of the authentication, which might assist you in determining whether an unauthorised authentication entry has occurred.
5. Lock Aadhaar to avoid misuse
Holders of Aadhar cards have the ability to lock their biometrics to avoid potential abuse and simply unlock them when needed. But keep your VID close at hand because you’ll need it.
Connected to the Aadhaar number is a 16-digit, revocable random number called VID. Rather than using the Aadhaar number for authentication or e-KYC services, VID can be used.
“Lock your Aadhaar biometrics to prevent any possible misuse by anyone,” reads the UIDAI tweet. Use the mAadhaar app or click this URL to lock or unlock your Aadhaar: https://resident.uidai.gov.in/aadhaar-lockunlock. Note that in order to use this service, your VID is required.
6. Implement Aadhaar Masking
If you don’t want to disclose your #Aadhaar number, you can use VID or Masked Aadhaar; these are legitimate and commonly recognised.
“If you don’t want to disclose your Aadhaar number, you can use VID or Masked Aadhaar, it is valid and widely accepted,” said a tweet from UIDAI.
7. Make a cell phone number update
In Aadhaar, one must always update their most recent cellphone number. If you’re not sure if your Aadhaar account has been connected to the correct email address or cellphone number. “Always keep your mobile number updated in Aadhaar,” reads a tweet from UIDAI. You can use this link to confirm if your email address or mobile number is accurate and has been connected to your Aadhaar: https://myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in/verify-email-mobile.
