Digital Identity

Understanding Aadhaar Security and Its Structure

Cyber Law Expert Vijayashankar Explains the Authentication Process
Na. Vijayashankar, cyber law expert

Aadhaar has undergone changes in the way it was originally conceived and now what it is, says Na. Vijayashankar, a cyber law expert. "It was [originally] not meant to be used for KYC as we are doing now. Today it is used as a KYC instrument where if somebody quotes Aadhaar number or provides a biometric from the Aadhaar system the entire demographic details of the person is sent across to the user," says Vijayashankar. (See: Aadhaar Virtual ID System is Operational)

See Also: Securing Digital Identities: How to Protect Banks and Financial Firms

Vijayashankar says the Unique Identification Authority of India, or UIDAI, could have adopted the Aadhaar virtual ID system much before. "This restricts distribution of original Aadhaar number," Vijayashankar remarks.

In this video interview at Information Security Media Group's recent Fraud and Breach Prevention Summit at Bengaluru, Vijayashankar also discusses:

  • What is the need for virtual id in Aadhaar;
  • What needs to change in the Aadhaar ecosystem;
  • The best security practices to have to secure Aadhaar.

Vijayashankar, popularly known as Naavi, is a cyber law and information assurance consultant based in Bangalore. He is the author of the first book and e-book on cyber laws in India. He has also authored a book titled "Cyber Laws, Corporate Mantra for the Digital Era" and "Cyber Laws Demystified". He is also the founder of www.naavi.org, a cyber law portal, where he blogs regularly.


About the Author

Suparna Goswami

Suparna Goswami

Associate Editor, ISMG

Goswami has more than 10 years of experience in the field of journalism. She has covered a variety of beats including global macro economy, fintech, startups and other business trends. Before joining ISMG, she contributed for Forbes Asia, where she wrote about the Indian startup ecosystem. She has also worked with UK-based International Finance Magazine and leading Indian newspapers, such as DNA and Times of India.




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