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In a concerning development, the Indian government has issued a warning about websites potentially misusing personal information, particularly Aadhaar and PAN card details. This alert, issued by the Indian Computer Emergency Response Team (CERT-In), underscores the growing threat of cybercrime and highlights the importance of safeguarding sensitive data. The article identifies two specific websites, Indian Aerospace and Engineering and Star Kidz, as having leaked user data. These websites, operating in the fields of aircraft maintenance engineering and children's development respectively, were found to be exposing sensitive information extracted from Aadhaar cards. This data, in the wrong hands, could lead to severe consequences such as phishing scams, financial theft, and even blackmail.
The article emphasizes the need for individuals to prioritize the protection of their Aadhaar and PAN details. It advises against sharing these documents with random websites or using them for routine check-in procedures. The importance of keeping these cards secure and not sharing them with anyone other than immediate family members is also stressed. Additionally, the article recommends checking one's CIBIL score regularly to identify any potential misuse of PAN card information. To further mitigate risks, the article cautions against responding to unsolicited calls offering loans or credit cards, as these could be scams designed to steal personal data. In case of lost or stolen PAN cards, prompt reporting to relevant authorities is crucial.
Beyond individual actions, the government has also taken steps to address this issue. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has filed a complaint against the website operators responsible for the data breaches. Moreover, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has announced plans to implement measures to safeguard data security and privacy. These measures aim to curb the misuse of personal information and strengthen the overall digital security landscape. The article concludes with a call to action, encouraging readers to be vigilant about their online safety and to follow established guidelines to protect their sensitive data.
Source: Govt has flagged these websites for leaking Aadhaar data: Details