As the world moves further towards digitalization, the importance of identification and verification becomes more critical than ever before. Aadhaar card, issued by the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), serves as one of the most crucial identity documents in India. It is not just an identification document, but it is also used for various other services such as bank account, mobile number, insurance, and so on.
However, with the advancement of technology, security threats have become more common, and cases of identity theft are on the rise. Therefore, it becomes imperative to ensure that your Aadhaar card information is current and secure. Here are some steps you can take to ensure the safety of your Aadhaar card information.
CIBIL Score Check:
One of the most crucial aspects of ensuring the security of your Aadhaar card information is to check your CIBIL score. CIBIL score is a credit score that reflects your creditworthiness, which banks and financial institutions use to evaluate your loan applications. The score ranges between 300 and 900, and a higher score indicates that you are creditworthy and can repay your debts on time. A low score indicates that you have a high risk of defaulting on your debts.
To check your CIBIL score, you need to visit the official website of CIBIL and enter your personal details such as name, date of birth, and so on. Once you register, you can view your CIBIL report, which includes your credit history, loan details, and other financial information. You can check your CIBIL score regularly to ensure that your credit history is accurate and up-to-date.
CIBIL Full Form:
CIBIL stands for Credit Information Bureau (India) Limited. It is India’s first credit information company, established in 2000, which maintains credit records of individuals and companies. The Bureau processes the credit information received from various credit institutions and creates credit reports based on their credit history. These reports are used by banks and financial institutions to evaluate the creditworthiness of an individual or a company.
Steps to Ensure the Security of Aadhaar Card Information:
- Link Your Aadhaar Card with Your Mobile Number:
Linking your Aadhaar card with your mobile number is mandatory as per the Supreme Court’s order. It is a step towards ensuring the security of your Aadhaar card information. By linking your Aadhaar card with your mobile number, you can receive OTPs, which are required for various transactions. You can visit the official website of UIDAI or visit the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center to link your mobile number with your Aadhaar card.
- Update Your Aadhaar Card Information:
It is essential to keep your Aadhaar Card Download information up-to-date to ensure the security of your identity. You can update your Aadhaar Card Download information online or by visiting the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center. You can update your name, address, mobile number, and other details as required. However, updating biometric details such as fingerprint and iris requires a visit to the nearest Aadhaar enrollment center.
- Keep Your Aadhaar Card Details Confidential:
Your Aadhaar card details such as your Aadhaar number, enrollment ID, and OTPs should be kept confidential. Do not share your Aadhaar details with anyone unless required by a government agency or a bank. Be cautious of phishing scams, where fraudsters try to obtain your Aadhaar card details by pretending to be from a government agency or a bank.
- Check Your Aadhaar Card Usage History:
You can check your Aadhaar card usage history on the UIDAI website. The usage history shows the details of when and where your Aadhaar card was used. This is an important step towards ensuring the security of your Aadhaar card information as it helps you recognize any suspicious activity.
- Secure Your Aadhaar Card:
Your physical Aadhaar card should be kept in a safe place. Do not carry your Aadhaar card unless required. You can also download the electronic version of your Aadhaar card called the e-Aadhaar. The e-Aadhaar is a password-protected PDF file, and it can be downloaded from the UIDAI website using your Aadhaar number or enrollment ID.
- Check Your CIBIL Report Regularly:
As mentioned earlier, checking your CIBIL score is an essential step towards ensuring the security of your Aadhaar card information. Regularly checking your credit report helps you identify any errors or fraudulent activity. You can dispute any errors or inaccuracies in your credit report by contacting CIBIL. It is advisable to check your credit report at least once every six months to ensure that your credit history is accurate.
In conclusion, your Aadhaar card is an essential document, and it is your responsibility to ensure its security. By following the steps mentioned above, you can ensure the safety of your Aadhaar card information. Regularly checking your CIBIL score and credit report is also crucial as it helps you identify any discrepancies and take corrective action. The more proactive you are in keeping your Aadhaar card information current and secure, the better your chances of avoiding any fraudulent activity or misuse.