Financial safety alert: Aadhaar cardholders urged to enable biometric locks amidst rising fraud risks
In an era where digital threats abound, staying one step ahead by enabling this additional layer of protection is crucial. Act now to safeguard your finances and maintain peace of mind in an increasingly interconnected world.
Highlights
- Aadhaar cardholders must proactively lock their biometric data
- In the absence of the above, cardholders are susceptible to unauthorised transactions and potential financial loss
In a digital age where financial security is paramount, Aadhaar cardholders in India have been issued a crucial warning. Failing to take immediate action could result in substantial financial losses. Here's what every Aadhaar card user needs to know to protect their hard-earned money.
The vulnerability of Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS)
In a recent revelation on LinkedIn, tech engineer Jyothi Ramalingaiah shed light on a concerning vulnerability within the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AEPS). Unlike many online services that require multi-step verifications, AEPS transactions only demand an Aadhaar number, fingerprint, OTP, and iris scan. Crucially, there's no secondary OTP requirement, making it susceptible to unauthorised transactions and potential financial loss.
How to secure your Aadhaar details
To safeguard against such risks, Aadhaar cardholders are urged to enable a biometric lock on their Aadhaar details using the mAadhaar app provided by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI). Here's how to do it:
Download and Register:
Begin by downloading the mAadhaar app from the Google Play Store. Tap on "Register My Aadhaar," create a 4-digit password for the app, and enter your Aadhaar number along with the security captcha.
Verification:
Request an OTP, which will be sent to your registered mobile number. Enter the OTP to open your Aadhaar account. Scroll down, tap on "Biometrics Lock," and then select "Lock Biometric."
Confirmation:
Confirm your action by entering the security captcha and OTP once again. Upon verification, your biometric details, including fingerprints and iris scans, will be securely locked.
The importance of taking action now
While AEPS offers convenience, it's this very convenience that exposes individuals to financial risks. By proactively locking their biometric data, Aadhaar cardholders can significantly enhance their security, ensuring that their hard-earned money remains safe from unauthorised transactions and potential fraud.
