The Aadhaar Data Breach : Truth Behind The Story

Aadhaar data breach

Aadhaar data breach

THE AAM AADMI KA ADHIKAAR
Aadhar card nowadays is one identity proof that is required by each and every person in India. The applicability of the Aadhar card is irreplaceable as can be seen in the present scenario. Mobile numbers, Gas bookings and each connection related to government service have to be linked with Aadhar card to promote convenience for security purposes. But this ubiquitous card has been under the scanner for some period of time now.

AADHAR CARD UNDER THE SCANNER
In recent time there has been speculation that the Aadhar Card information has been leaked. According to UIDAI, the Aadhar card information is safe and they said that they acted proactively when it was heard that 210 government websites made the Aadhar Card information public.

WHAT UIDAI HAD TO SAY
According to UIDAI Aadhar Card information is required to be made public since some government websites and services require the Aadhar Card number so as to provide convenient services to the citizens. It was also said in November that making the Aadhar Card information public is a government process and this information does not mean security breach as the Aadhar Card information without the biometric scans and data is useless and cannot be used against the Aadhar card holder. UIDAI also prides itself on its security systems since they reassured the Aadhar Cardholders that their information is safe since UIDAI uses high-level encryption codes due to which the information cannot be accessed in any case illegally.

BUT WHAT THE TRUTH REALLY IS
But amid these comments by UIDAI, The Tribune held a sting operation against the illegal acquisition of Aadhar card information. Last month The Tribune tried to purchase Aadhar Card information through WhatsApp. As the sting continue it was found that only 10 minutes were required by the agent that was contacted to create a gateway for lobbying the Aadhar Card information with a login id and password. The charge for the same has been set at mere 500 Rs. On that portal, any Aadhar card number could be entered and all the information submitted to UIDAI would be presented in a matter of minutes. To sum up, all it took was 10 minutes and 500 rupees paid through Paytm. The case doesn’t end here, as when The Tribune paid another 300 rupees the agent created a software that could facilitate printing of Aadhar card held by any individual just by entering the relevant number. When contacted the UIDAI officials in Chandigarh expressed shock over the same, and thus admitted about the information leak and the illegal racket that has been carried out in the recent days. UIDAI official expressed concern over the same and considered it a national security breach.

WHAT THE FUTURE HOLDS FOR THE AADHAR CARD?
As the situation rolls on it is estimated that the racket has been around for about 6 months when anonymous WhatsApp groups were created. Since then, this “national security breach” stands strong. Now what is still in store for the future of the “common man’s right” is still to be seen.

 

Author: Prachi K

Technical Writer, Branding Executive – Hackers Interview. Prachi has professional experience in the area of Branding and Article writing.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Subscribe Us

You have successfully subscribed to Hackers Interview

There was an error while trying to send your request. Please try again.

HACKERS INTERVIEW will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing.