Aadhaar Card security: 3 easy steps to protect your identity card data; steps to check Aadhaar authentication history

The Aadhar card is one of the important documents. With this single photo identity card, eligible population can avail advantage of all government schemes. Besides, one can easily a bank account, buying property, apply for driving license and others with the help of Aadhaar. 
  
The Unique Identification Authority of India, UIDAI suggest several ways that people can protect their Aadhaar data from misuse.

Aadhaar virtual ID

Virtual ID is a temporary, revocable 16-digit random number mapped with the Aadhaar number. Virtual ID can be used in lieu of Aadhaar number whenever authentication or e-KYC services are performed. 

Authentication may be performed using Virtual ID in a manner similar to using Aadhaar number. Aadhaar Virtual ID can be generated from Aadhaar number but Aadhaar number cannot be traced from Aadhaar VID

Cardholders can easily generate Virtual ID by visiting the official website or from the My Aadhaar portal. Instead of sharing Aadhaar number, you can share Virtual ID to keep Aadhaar card information safe.

Aadhaar lock service

UIDAI provides Aadhaar Lock Service to every cardholder. With this, the service cardholder can lock and unlock their biometric details. the Aadhaar card holder himself will have to unlock the biometric details before using it.

How to lock or unlock the Aadhar card details  

Step 1: Visit the official website of UIDAI  

Step 2: Click on My Aadhaar.  

Step 3: Select secure your Biometrics by selecting Aadhaar Services.  

Step 4: After this, by clicking on Lock / Unlock Biometrics, enter your Aadhaar details and complete the further process. In this way you can easily lock or unlock your Aadhaar.

Aadhar card history  

UIDAI also gives the facility to check the history of Aadhaar card. With this cardholder can also find out which other documents your Aadhaar card is linked with. You will get the option of Aadhaar Authentication History by going to Aadhaar Services on the official website of UIDAI.

Aadhar history can be checked for the last six months.