Tough security measures have ensured safety of Aadhaar data, says former chairman of TRAI R S Sharma

Hyderabad: Till date, Aadhaar data has not breached and its success can be attributed to the importance given to addressing privacy and security of the data, said R S Sharma, former chairman of TRAI, on Tuesday.
Speaking on Day 1 of the two-day conclave SHIELD-2025, Sharma explained how data should be partitioned and stored in various parts to make the data of any system, like a bank or any institution, safe. "Aadhaar data is not kept in a single repository. When the project was launched, due care was taken keeping in view two principles: incorporate privacy and security," Sharma said.
Hackers' attempts foiled
Though Aadhar was demonised from various fronts and many filed PILs accusing it of breaching privacy, it stood the test. In fact, Sharma mentioned that there was a constant attempt from various hackers to breach Aadhaar data. "Yet, I can tell you with all the confidence that till today, not a single user's information could be leaked. In the past, I gave an open challenge also by sharing my Aadhaar number publicly," he added.
The Aadhaar data is encrypted even during transit while saving the data in the repository. "It is important to collect minimal data into the software. During Aadhaar, they collected data of only three attributes. We made sure that by using the data, it cannot be profiled," he added.
Sharma said that while preparing a robust system for the safe protection of data, it has to be designed meticulously at the beginning and cannot be an afterthought. He mentioned that today, the tele-density is 93% , with 900 million internet users. In the past, 200 gigabytes used to cost Rs 200, but now it has come down to Rs 7. As of now, 1.4 billion people are covered under Aadhaar.
‘Good profession for students'
National Cyber Security (NCS) coordinator Lt Gen MU Nair, while addressing the gathering, said how cyber security is a good profession for students to consider since it throws up many challenges. He mentioned that blockchain is presenting new challenges for security establishments. While talking about cyber crimes, he said that for any law enforcement agency, the Golden Hour is key, and this loss of time can lead to financial loss.