How to lock aadhaar biometric: In an increasingly digital world, our Aadhaar number has become a crucial identifier, linked to everything from bank accounts to government services. While this convenience is undeniable, it also raises concerns about potential misuse, especially regarding biometric authentication. One effective way to mitigate these risks is by locking your Aadhaar biometrics. This article delves into why you should consider this, and how to do it step-by-step.
Why Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics?
Your Aadhaar biometrics, including fingerprints and iris scans, are unique and immutable. They are used for authentication in various transactions, particularly those involving financial services. However, if these biometrics are compromised, it could lead to:
- Unauthorized Bank Transactions: Fraudsters can potentially use stolen biometrics to authenticate and perform unauthorized transactions from your bank accounts.
- Misuse of Government Benefits: Biometric authentication is often used for disbursing government subsidies and benefits. Compromised biometrics could lead to fraudulent claims.
- Identity Theft: In severe cases, stolen biometrics can be used for broader identity theft, leading to financial and personal losses.
- Phishing and Scams: Scammers might use social engineering or malware to capture your biometrics, leading to potential misuse.
Locking your biometrics essentially disables their use for authentication. When you need to use them, you can temporarily unlock them. This provides an extra layer of security and gives you greater control over your sensitive information.
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How to Lock Your Aadhaar Biometrics: A Step-by-Step Guide
The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) provides a simple and convenient way to lock and unlock your Aadhaar biometrics. You can do this through the UIDAI website or the mAadhaar mobile app.
Method 1: Using the UIDAI Website
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Visit the UIDAI Website:
- Open your web browser and go to the official UIDAI website: https://uidai.gov.in/
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Navigate to Aadhaar Services:
- Look for the “My Aadhaar” section on the homepage.
- Find the “Aadhaar Services” category.
- Under this category, you will find “Lock/Unlock Biometrics”. Click on this.
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Enter Your Aadhaar Number and Security Code:
- You will be redirected to a page where you need to enter your 12-digit Aadhaar number.
- Enter the security code (captcha) displayed on the screen.
- Click “Send OTP”.
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Enter the OTP:
- An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your registered mobile number.
- Enter the OTP in the designated field and click “Submit”.
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Lock Your Biometrics:
- If your biometrics are not already locked, you will see the option to lock them.
- Confirm your action to lock your biometrics.
- After successful locking, you will receive a confirmation message.
Method 2: Using the mAadhaar Mobile App
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Download and Install the mAadhaar App:
- If you don’t have the mAadhaar app, download it from the Google Play Store or Apple App Store.
- Install the app and register your Aadhaar profile.
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Login to the App:
- Open the app and log in using your Aadhaar number and OTP.
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Navigate to Biometric Lock/Unlock:
- In the app’s main menu, look for the “Biometric Lock/Unlock” option.
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Lock Your Biometrics:
- Follow the on-screen instructions to lock your biometrics.
- You will typically need to enter your Aadhaar number or VID (Virtual ID) and verify with an OTP.
- Confirm your action to lock your biometrics.
Unlocking Your Biometrics
When you need to use your biometrics for authentication, you can easily unlock them using the same methods:
- Follow the same steps as above, but instead of selecting “Lock Biometrics,” choose “Unlock Biometrics.”
- You will have the option to unlock them temporarily (for a specific duration) or permanently (until you lock them again).
Important Considerations:
- Registered Mobile Number: Ensure that your mobile number is registered with your Aadhaar, as you will need it to receive OTPs.
- Virtual ID (VID): Using a Virtual ID (VID) instead of your Aadhaar number adds an extra layer of security.
- Regular Monitoring: Periodically check your Aadhaar authentication history on the UIDAI website to detect any unauthorized activity.
- Awareness: Stay informed about the latest Aadhaar-related security updates and best practices.
By taking the proactive step of locking your Aadhaar biometrics, you can significantly enhance the security of your financial transactions and protect yourself from potential fraud.
