Has there been any Aadhaar data breach from UIDAI database?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- No breaches reported from UIDAI database.
- Aadhaar has 1.34 billion live holders.
- Over 16,000 crore authentication transactions completed.
- Multi-layered security framework in place.
- Continuous audits ensure the safety of data.
New Delhi, Dec 17 (NationPress) The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has confirmed that there has been no breach of data pertaining to Aadhaar card holders as of now, as stated in Parliament on Wednesday.
The ministry reaffirmed the security of the world’s largest biometric identity system.
Aadhaar is recognized as the largest biometric identity system globally, with approximately 1.34 billion live Aadhaar holders.
It has successfully executed over 16,000 crore authentication transactions since its inception.
In response to inquiries in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Electronics and Information Technology, Jitin Prasada, asserted that Aadhaar remains secure thanks to robust technological and institutional measures implemented by the government.
The Aadhaar program, managed by UIDAI, currently supports around 1.34 billion Aadhaar number holders and has processed in excess of 16,000 crore authentication transactions, solidifying its status as the most extensive biometric identity initiative worldwide.
The minister highlighted that UIDAI employs a multi-layered security framework based on the “defense-in-depth” strategy to safeguard personal data.
This approach ensures that multiple layers of protection are integrated into the system, so that even if one layer is compromised, others continue to protect the data, as stated by the ministry.
The entire system undergoes regular reviews and audits to maintain its security.
To avoid misuse or interception, Aadhaar data is secured using advanced encryption technologies during both transmission and storage.
The Aadhaar system has been classified as a protected system, placing it under the continuous surveillance of the National Critical Information Infrastructure Protection Centre (NCIIPC).
This agency routinely provides security advisories to bolster UIDAI’s cybersecurity framework.
Moreover, an independent auditing agency has been appointed to establish and oversee a Governance, Risk, Compliance, and Performance framework for the Aadhaar ecosystem.
The minister also informed the House that UIDAI conducts continuous cybersecurity audits of its applications, which include both static and dynamic security testing, to identify and rectify vulnerabilities at an early stage.