Is Your Aadhaar Secure? Here's How to Track Who's Using Your Number!

In our modern society, we rely heavily on the Aadhaar number to avail ourselves of services. Aadhaar is now used in trains for the purchase of tickets, in banks when we open accounts or access government schemes, and is part of our daily lives. However, with increasing reliance on Aadhaar comes the potential for misuse. There is a constant risk that scammers can and do misuse Aadhaar for fraudulent purposes. Therefore, it is critical that we take every precaution to safeguard our Aadhaar number.

But how do we know if our Aadhaar has been compromised? The good news is UIDAI has provided individuals with some tools that can help determine if Aadhaar was used without consent or knowledge. Let's consider options to prevent fraudulent misuse of Aadhaar.

Track Your Aadhaar Usage with UIDAI's Authentication History

One of the simplest methods for monitoring any suspect activity linked with your Aadhaar is to see the Authentication History on the myAadhaar portal of UIDAI. It provides users the facility to get information about when their Aadhaar number has been utilized for verification. This is a simple means of helping users to naturally keep tabs on their details and ensuring that no unauthorized use of their information is happening. Here’s how to access it:

1. Visit the myAadhaar Portal

Go to the official myAadhaar portal to get started. This is where you can manage all your Aadhaar-related activities.

2. Login Using OTP

Enter your Aadhaar number and the captcha code on the portal. Choose “Login With OTP,” and a one-time password (OTP) will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to log in.

3. Check Your Authentication History

Once logged in, go to the Authentication History section. Here, you can choose the time period you wish to review, be it the last week, the last month or for a set, custom duration.

4. Review the Details

Review the list of transactions. You will be able to see where and when Aadhaar was used for verification. If anything looks unfamiliar or suspicious it is time to take action!

What to Do if You Spot Unauthorised Activity

If you notice anything unusual or suspect your Aadhaar has been used without your knowledge, don’t panic. Take the following steps to protect yourself:

Call UIDAI’s Helpline: Dial 1947 to speak to a representative who can help resolve your issue.
Email UIDAI: Alternatively, you can email your concerns to help@uidai.gov.in. Be sure to include any relevant information to help them investigate.

Protect Your Aadhaar with Biometric Locking

Looking to protect your data even more? You can lock your biometric data. UIDAI allows you to lock your biometric data (like fingerprints and iris) which prevents anyone from using them for authentication without your permission. Even if someone knows your UID number, they still can't misuse your biometrics if they are locked.

How to Lock Your Biometrics:

Visit the UIDAI Website: Go to the official UIDAI website and navigate to the Lock/Unlock Biometrics section.
Enter Your Details: Provide your Virtual ID (VID), name, PIN code, and the captcha code.
Authenticate with OTP: You’ll receive an OTP on your registered mobile number. Enter it to proceed.
Lock Your Biometrics: Once authenticated, you can securely lock your biometrics. This adds a strong layer of protection to your Aadhaar data.

It is important to note, you can unlock your biometrics any time you need to use them for authentication, but keeping your biometrics locked when not in use is an excellent way to protect you.

Stay Vigilant: Regularly Monitor Your Aadhaar Activity

It's vital to understand that your Aadhaar activity shouldn't be looked at only once. It is generally good practice to check your Aadhaar activity regularly—especially if you’ve disclosed your Aadhaar number to many organizations. Keeping an eye on your authentication history means you'll be alerted to unwanted activity almost right away and have the time to act to stop any further unwanted use. At the same time, another way to protect your Aadhaar is to ensure you regularly update your data. UIDAI frequently provides suggestions for individuals to update their Aadhaar as part of their online publication.

Keep Your Aadhaar Details Updated

To further safeguard your Aadhaar, make sure your details are always up to date. UIDAI recommends updating your Aadhaar if:

When you are undergoing an update related to your Aadhaar and you haven't updated it for ten years.
When you change your biometric information, such as due to an accident that changes your fingerprints.
When a parent or guardian may need to update a child's biometric information because children change over time and are usually required to update their biometric information when they reach 15 years of age.

Conclusion: Stay Proactive and Secure Your Aadhaar

Your Aadhaar serves as a strong method for identity verification, but it is important to continue being vigilant to secure its integrity. Regularly checking the usage of your Aadhaar, locking your biometric data, and keeping your information up to date are steps you can take to responding to the potential misuse.

Securing your Aadhaar, and continuing to enjoy the ease of use it affords are simple steps. So take back your security today—check your Aadhaar activity, lock your biometrics, and stay safe online!