Aadhaar has become one of the most important identity documents in India.
With Aadhaar now linked to PAN cards, passports, bank accounts, and several government services, keeping this information safe is more important than ever.
Cybercriminals are constantly looking for ways to misuse Aadhaar details for fraud and identity theft.
The good news is that a few simple precautions can greatly reduce the risk.
Here are four easy and practical ways to protect your Aadhaar data online.
Never Share Your Aadhaar OTP
Fraudsters often try to trick people by asking for a one-time password (OTP).
They may pretend to be bank officials, customer care agents, or government representatives.
Remember, no genuine organisation will ever ask for your Aadhaar OTP over a phone call, SMS, or email.
Sharing your OTP can give criminals direct access to services linked to your Aadhaar.
Always treat your OTP like your ATM PIN and keep it strictly private.
Avoid Posting Aadhaar Details Online
Uploading or sharing Aadhaar details on social media or unsecured platforms is extremely risky.
Even a simple photo of your Aadhaar card can be misused.
Avoid sending Aadhaar information through WhatsApp, email, or public websites unless it is absolutely necessary.
Before sharing, make sure the platform is secure and the recipient is completely trustworthy.
Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics
Your fingerprints and iris scans are highly sensitive personal data.
If they fall into the wrong hands, it can lead to serious identity fraud.
By locking your Aadhaar biometrics, you prevent anyone from using them for authentication without your consent.
You can unlock them temporarily when needed and lock them again afterward.
This simple step adds a strong layer of protection.
Use Masked Aadhaar for Extra Safety
A masked Aadhaar hides the first eight digits of your Aadhaar number and shows only the last four.
This reduces the chances of misuse while still allowing identification when required.
For added security, you can also lock your Aadhaar number so it cannot be used for authentication unless you unlock it manually.
This feature is especially useful if you rarely use Aadhaar-based services.
Protecting your Aadhaar data is essential because it is closely tied to your identity and access to key services.
Taking these small but effective steps can help you stay safe from fraud and misuse.
