Aadhaar Card is one of the most important identity documents for Indian citizens, but cases of its misuse are rising. Cyber fraudsters often attempt to steal Aadhaar-linked biometric data and other sensitive information for financial frauds. To protect citizens, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) offers various security features that allow users to safeguard their Aadhaar details and prevent unauthorized access.
By following some simple steps, you can check where your Aadhaar has been used and secure your biometric data from the comfort of your home. Here’s a complete guide to ensuring your Aadhaar remains protected from potential misuse.
Since Aadhaar is linked to bank accounts, mobile numbers, Demat accounts, and other essential services, it is crucial to monitor its usage regularly. You can track Aadhaar authentication history to ensure that no unauthorized transactions have taken place.
Follow these steps to check where your Aadhaar has been used:
1. Visit UIDAI’s Official Website: Open myaadhaar.uidai.gov.in in your web browser.
2. Enter Your Aadhaar Number: On the portal, enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number and the displayed captcha code.
3. Verify Through OTP: A one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to proceed.
4. Check Authentication History: Navigate to the ‘Authentication History’ section. Here, you will find a detailed log of where and when your Aadhaar has been used.
If you notice any unauthorized or suspicious activity, you should immediately take steps to secure your Aadhaar.
If you suspect that your Aadhaar card has been misused, you can file a complaint with UIDAI through the following methods:
1. Call the UIDAI Helpline: Dial 1947, UIDAI’s official helpline number, and report the issue.
2. Email UIDAI: Send an email to help@uidai.gov.in with the details of the misuse.
3. Visit an Aadhaar Center: You can also visit the nearest Aadhaar Enrollment or Update Center and seek assistance.
Taking quick action can prevent further misuse and safeguard your personal information.
To prevent unauthorized access to your Aadhaar details, UIDAI provides a Lock/Unlock Aadhaar feature. By enabling this security measure, you can protect your biometric data, including fingerprints and iris scans, from being misused.
Follow these steps to lock your Aadhaar:
1. Go to the UIDAI Website: Open the UIDAI portal and navigate to the ‘My Aadhaar’ section.
2. Select Lock/Unlock Aadhaar Option: Under ‘Aadhaar Services,’ choose the ‘Lock/Unlock Aadhaar’ feature.
3. Enter Aadhaar Details and OTP: Provide your Aadhaar number and the OTP received on your registered mobile number.
4. Lock Your Aadhaar: Once authenticated, follow the on-screen instructions to lock your Aadhaar. This will ensure that no one can access your biometric data without your permission.
If you ever need to use your Aadhaar for authentication, you can unlock it temporarily by following the same steps.
Apart from locking your Aadhaar, follow these best practices to keep your Aadhaar details safe:
1. Avoid Sharing Aadhaar Number Publicly – Do not share your Aadhaar number or copies of your Aadhaar card unnecessarily.
2. Use Masked Aadhaar – When required, download and share only the masked Aadhaar, which hides the first 8 digits of your Aadhaar number.
3. Enable Virtual ID (VID) – Instead of sharing your Aadhaar number, generate a Virtual ID (VID) through UIDAI’s website and use it for verification.
4. Monitor Your Aadhaar Usage Regularly – Frequently check the authentication history to detect any unauthorized access.
5. Update Your Mobile Number and Email – Keep your registered mobile number and email address updated to receive real-time alerts on Aadhaar usage.
With Aadhaar linked to multiple services, ensuring its security is more important than ever. UIDAI provides robust security features like Aadhaar locking, authentication history tracking, and Virtual ID generation to protect your identity.
By following the simple steps mentioned above, you can keep your Aadhaar safe from misuse and prevent unauthorized access. Take action today and safeguard your digital identity!
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