Ajit Karn
According to a Monday press release, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has implemented a new security mechanism for Aadhaar-based fingerprint authentication and quicker detection of spoofing attempts.
The artificial intelligence and machine learning (AI/ML)-based security mechanism that was developed in-house now uses a “combination of both finger minutia and finger image” to determine whether the acquired fingerprint is alive.
UIDAI announced in a statement the new security mechanism for fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication, claiming that “this makes Aadhaar authentication transactions even more robust and secure.”
“The new two-factor/layer authentication includes additional tests to validate the authenticity (liveness) of the fingerprint in order to reduce the likelihood of spoofing attempts,” the release stated.
The innovation is anticipated to be immensely useful in sectors such as banking and finance, telecommunications, and government. It will strengthen the Aadhaar-enabled payment system and prevent malicious attempts by unscrupulous elements, thereby benefiting those at the “bottom of the pyramid.”
“The new security mechanism for fingerprint-based Aadhaar authentication is now entirely operational. After months of discussion and hand-holding by UIDAI with its partners and user agencies, the dissemination and migration occurred “the new release.
UIDAI conducted constant engagement and due diligence with authentication user agencies (AUAs) to inform them (AUAs/ Sub AUAs) of the advantages of the new system.
AUA is an entity that provides Aadhaar-enabled services to bearers of 12-digit IDs using authentication as facilitated by the authentication service agency. Sub-AUAs are agencies that facilitate their services with Aadhaar authentication through an existing requesting entity.
The UIDAI headquarters and regional offices are in contact with all entities in order to assist any user agency (which may not have yet migrated) in making the transition to the new secure authentication mode as soon as possible.
The use of Aadhaar-based authentication transactions is on the rise, as it has proven to facilitate access to numerous welfare benefits and services.
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“By the end of December 2022, the total number of Aadhaar authentication transactions will have surpassed 88.29 billion, with an average of 70 million transactions per day. The vast majority of them are fingerprint-based authentications, demonstrating its practicality in daily life “the new release.
