Your Aadhaar card contains sensitive personal information, making it crucial to protect it from misuse. In 2025, with increasing digital transactions, securing your Aadhaar data is more important than ever. Follow these tips to keep your Aadhaar information safe and prevent fraud.

1. Never Share Your Aadhaar Number Publicly

Do not share your 12-digit Aadhaar number on social media, emails, or unverified websites. Only provide it to trusted government or financial institutions when necessary.

2. Use e-Aadhaar Securely

• Download e-Aadhaar only from the official UIDAI portal.
• Keep your e-Aadhaar PDF password-protected. Password format: first four letters of your name in CAPITAL + birth year.
• Do not share the e-Aadhaar file or password with anyone.

3. Register and Verify Mobile Number

Ensure your mobile number is registered with UIDAI. OTPs for e-Aadhaar download and authentication will only be sent to this number, helping prevent unauthorized access.

4. Avoid Phishing and Fraud Calls

• UIDAI never asks for your Aadhaar number, OTP, or PIN via phone, email, or SMS.
• Ignore calls or messages claiming to update your Aadhaar in exchange for personal information.

5. Use Virtual ID (VID) for Online Transactions

Whenever possible, use your 16-digit VID instead of the Aadhaar number for KYC or online verification. VID helps mask your Aadhaar number, adding an extra layer of security.

6. Lock and Unlock Biometric Information

UIDAI provides an option to lock your fingerprint and iris data. Only unlock temporarily when required for authentication:

• Visit the UIDAI Biometric Lock/Unlock portal.
• Enable locking to prevent unauthorized use.

7. Monitor Your Aadhaar Linked Accounts

Regularly check accounts linked with Aadhaar, such as bank accounts, PAN, or mobile services, for unusual activity and report discrepancies immediately.

Conclusion

Protecting your Aadhaar information in 2025 is essential in the digital era. By following these security tips—using e-Aadhaar safely, not sharing your Aadhaar publicly, using VID, locking biometrics, and monitoring linked accounts—you can safeguard your personal data and prevent misuse.