Aadhaar is one of the most important documents for India’s identification. Essential services such as banking, government schemes, and mobile connections to name but a few link to it. Given its value, the details related to your Aadhaar must be secured to avoid identity theft and therefore leveraging it without authorization. In this article, we will look to know the safe and effective ways to protect your Aadhaar and also track where and when your Aadhaar has been used.
How to Check Your Aadhaar Authentication History?
The way to check the Aadhaar authentication history provided by UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) is easy. It will help in detecting any irregular usage of your Aadhaar number.
Steps to Check Aadhaar Authentication History Online
1. Visit the UIDAI Website:
- Open uidai.gov.in in your browser.
2. Navigate to the Authentication History Section:
- From the menu, click on ‘My Aadhaar’.
- Click on ‘Aadhaar Authentication History’ under the ‘Aadhaar Services’ option.
3. Enter Your Aadhaar Details:
- Input your 12-digit Aadhaar number or Virtual ID (VID).
- Also, you need to enter the security code (captcha) presented on this web page.
4. Generate OTP:
- If you know the phone number on which you have registered then click on ‘Generate OTP’ and Receive a one-time password on your registered mobile number.
5. Verify OTP and Select Criteria:
- Enter the OTP and proceed.
- You pick the authentication type (biometric, OTP, or demographic).
- Either set the date range or the number of records to retrieve (up to 50).
6. Submit and View History:
- Click on ‘Submit’.
The history of your Aadhaar authentication will be on the page and it will show:
- Type of authentication used
- Date and time of authentication
- UIDAI response code
- The agency that requested authentication
- Transaction ID
- Authentication success or failure status
- You can regularly check this history to avoid misuse of Aadhaar.
How to Keep Your Aadhaar Card Safe?
As there are growing Aadhaar-related fraud cases, it is essential to put in some security measures. Below are some ways to protect your Aadhaar details.
1. Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics
Authentication, however, relies on your biometric data (fingerprints and iris scan). If you do not require frequent Aadhaar-based verification then you can lock your biometrics so that it can be used only by you.
Steps to Lock Your Biometrics:
- Click on ‘Lock/Unlock Biometrics’ on the UIDAI website.
- Enter the Aadhaar number and captcha.
- Request an OTP and enter it.
- Enable biometric locking.
Biometrics are once locked and can’t be used for authentication without being manually unlocked.
2. Use Virtual ID (VID) Instead of Aadhaar Number
Instead of sharing your Aadhaar number, a Virtual ID (VID) will be generated by you and used. A VID is a 16-digit temporary number that is used to mask your Aadhaar number. VID can be generated as per the UIDAI portal and can be used as per Aadhaar authentication wherever required.
3. Regularly Monitor Your Authentication History
As said earlier, checking your Aadhaar authentication history will enable you to find out the location and time at which your Aadhaar has been used. As soon as you see any suspicious activities, inform security in the office or by phone.
4. Avoid Sharing Aadhaar Details Unnecessarily
- Do not reveal the Aadhaar number unless inevitable.
- If you must give a copy, provide it watermarked with ‘For Official Use Only’ and indicate the purpose.
- Do Not upload your Aadhaar card to the unsecured websites.
5. Download and Use a Masked Aadhaar
The first eight digits of the Aadhaar number are mapped to a single masked Aadhaar and only the last four digits are visible. The UIDAI website also brings you a masked Aadhaar for extra privacy.
6. Keep Your Contact Details Updated
Keep checking your mobile number and email linked to Aadhaar are always updated. It allows one to get OTPs and alerts regarding any Aadhaar authentication attempt.
7. Avoid Downloading Aadhaar on Public Devices
Do not ever download or access your Aadhaar details on the public or a shared computer. If it is so, then be certain to delete all downloaded files and clean browser history, once you have completed your work.
Using your Aadhaar Card has become a hugely important process and so is tracking where that Aadhaar Card is being used.
How to Track Where Your Aadhaar Card Is Being Used?
To stay informed about how your Aadhaar is being used, follow these steps:
1. Regularly Check Authentication History
In the earlier discussion, we talked about how you would get the history of Aadhaar authentication, and that would indicate where and when your Aadhaar was used for verifications.
2. Report Unauthorized Aadhaar Usage
If you notice an unauthorized authentication attempt, take immediate action:
- You can call the UIDAI helpline at @1947 or file a complaint on the UIDAI website.
- Include such details as Aadhaar number and suspected misuse.
- If it is required, request Aadhaar locking or biometric locking to prevent further misuse.
3. Lock Your Aadhaar Card in Case of Suspicious Activity
If you feel that your Aadhaar is being misused, then lock your Aadhaar card through the UIDAI portal or the mAadhaar app. The Aadhaar-based authentication will be temporarily disabled which is until you unlock it.
Conclusion
Although Aadhaar gives powerful identity verification, it can be a dangerous weapon if it continues to be handled insecurely. To safeguard your identity, lock biometrics by using Virtual IDs, checking the authentication history, and sharing Aadhaar details only on a selective basis. Tracking the Aadhaar card history regularly prevents malpractices by any unauthorized entity. Be alert, do whatever you can to ensure that the Aadhaar is always safe.
