Aadhaar Card Security Tips: 5 Simple Steps to Safeguard Your Aadhaar Data from Digital Fraud

Aadhaar has become an essential part of daily life, whether it’s for banking services, mobile connections, or accessing government schemes. With its growing use, the risk of Aadhaar-related fraud has also increased. Cybercriminals are constantly trying new methods to misuse personal data. To stay protected, here are five simple yet effective steps you can follow to secure your Aadhaar information online.

Never share your OTP
Scammers often pose as bank officials, customer support agents, or even government representatives to trick people into sharing OTPs. It’s important to remember that no legitimate authority will ever ask for your Aadhaar OTP over a call, SMS, or email. Once an OTP is shared, it can be used to access or misuse Aadhaar-linked services. Treat your OTP with the same caution as your ATM PIN and keep it strictly confidential.

Use masked Aadhaar whenever possible
Masked Aadhaar is a safer version of your Aadhaar card that displays only the last four digits of your number. This significantly reduces the chances of misuse if the document is lost or shared unintentionally. When submitting Aadhaar for verification, always opt for masked Aadhaar instead of revealing the full number. It serves the purpose of identification while keeping your sensitive details secure.

Lock your Aadhaar number
The Aadhaar locking feature prevents your Aadhaar number from being used for authentication without your approval. Once locked, no one can verify your Aadhaar unless you manually unlock it for a specific purpose. This is especially useful if you rarely use Aadhaar-based services. Locking your Aadhaar adds an extra layer of protection against unauthorized access.

ALSO READ Passport Verification Record Now Available on DigiLocker, Boosting Digital Convenience for Citizens

Lock your biometric data
Biometric details such as fingerprints and iris scans are extremely sensitive. If they are misused, it can result in serious identity fraud. Locking your biometric data ensures it cannot be used for authentication unless you explicitly allow it, You can temporarily unlock it when needed and lock it again afterward, greatly reducing the risk of biometric misuse.

Avoid sharing Aadhaar details online
Uploading Aadhaar information on social media or sending it through unsecured platforms can be dangerous. Even a simple photo of your Aadhaar card can be exploited by fraudsters. Avoid sharing Aadhaar details via WhatsApp, email, or public platforms unless it is absolutely necessary and the source is trustworthy. Always be cautious before uploading or forwarding any Aadhaar-related information.

We’re Live on WhatsApp! Join our channel for market insights & updates