How Aadhaar Data Vault Safeguards Sensitive Information

The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) to make Aadhaar data private mandated the agencies (AUAs), e-KYC user Agencies (KUAs), Sub-AUAs, or other entities to store in an encrypted storage box known as Aadhaar Data Vault.

This is introduced to reduce the exposure of sensitive data from the IT ecosystems with reference keys. All agencies must use the ADV service to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

What is the Aadhaar Data Vault?

The Aadhaar Data Vault is a secure storage solution that secures Aadhaar numbers and their data. The Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) makes it mandatory for all entities to securely store Aadhaar data.

Key Features of the Aadhaar Data Vault

• Secure Storage: Aadhaar numbers are stored in encrypted format to prevent unauthorized access.
• Tokenization: Despite using the Aadhaar number,  the system generates unique reference numbers (tokens). These tokens replace the Aadhaar number in databases.
• Restricted Access: Only the authorized person can access the data via a strict control mechanism.
• Compliance: A secure Data Vault helps follow the UIDAI Aadhaar Data Security Regulations.
• Multi-Layer Security Architecture: The solution should have a multi-layer security feature to protect Aadhaar data against breaches.
• REST APIs-based seamless integration with applications: The vault smoothly integrates existing applications which allows secure and efficient data exchange.
• FIPS 140-2 Level 3 HSM devices: Aadhaar data is safeguarded using FIPS 140-2 Level 3 compliant Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) for encryption.
• Intrinsic Aadhaar de-duplication: The system will automatically remove the duplicate Aadhaar number and information from the vault.

How Does the Aadhaar Data Vault Work?

Here is a small brief on how the Aadhar Data Vault works,

• Data Collection

In the initial step organization collects an Aadhaar number (during any process of identity verification or eKYC).

• Encryption of Aadhaar Data

The collected Aadhaar information is then encrypted using advanced technology. Here encryption makes the data unreadable.

• Tokenization

The encrypted Aadhaar number is replaced with a unique reference number or token. This token is used in the place of Aadhaar number for security.

• Secure Storage in the Vault

The encrypted Aadhaar numbers are stored in the Aadhar data vault.

• Controlled Access

Only authorized users can access the Aadhar Data Vault. Access is granted through role-based access controls which are monitored through Audit trails.

• Retrieval and Usage

Whenever the Aadhaar number is required for verification the token is used to retrieve the Aadhar Data Vault.

This process involves the following steps:

• Authentication of request.
• Decryption of the Aadhaar Number for authorized use.

Benefits of the Aadhaar Data Vault Mechanism

There are outstanding benefits of using the Aadhar Data Vault,

• Security: The data vault protects sensitive data through encryption and a unique token number.
• Reduce Misuse of Data: A Data vault is a secured and isolated place with no data breach issue.
• Regulatory Compliance: This vault ensures adherence to UIDAI’s data security requirements.
• Improve operational efficiency: The token-based system simplifies the data handling with token-based workflow.

How to Choose the Right Aadhaar Data Vault Solution?

Here is a list of important factors you should:

• Compliance with UIDAI

Check that the solution complies with UIDAI’s Aadhaar (Data Security) regulation and should be authorized.

• Tokenization Capabilities

It is important to check whether the solution provides secure tokenization for replacing Aadhaar numbers with reference tokens.

• Security Features

A vault should be equipped with advanced security features to protect advanced data. It should also use multi-factor authentication for system access.

• Integration Capabilities

The data vault should smoothly integrate with existing systems, such as CRMs, databases and APIs.

• Affordability

Compare the plan and pricing of services and choose the affordable option with good features.

Things you should keep in mind while using Data Vault

• It is good to access the Aadhar data vault through the internal system.
• Use HSM devices to store reference keys and share them with UIDAI and NPCI servers.
• Aadhaar number should only be stored in the data vault.
• The Vault system must be implemented in a restricted and isolated environment.
• The organization should use strong encryption and access control to reduce the risk of unauthorized access.

Conclusion

The Aadhar Data Vault is essential for protecting Aadhaar numbers and data. With secure storage of Aadhaar data using encryption and tokenization, it reduces the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. With the right Aadhar data vault solution organizations safeguard sensitive data, improve operational efficiency and follow the UIDAI regulations.

FAQs

What is the Aadhaar Data Vault Act?

This Data Vault provides centralised encryption storage of Aadhaar-based e-KYC of authentic entities.

Where is Aadhaar Data Stored?

Aadhaar number and sensitive data are stored in Aadhar Data Vault.

What is data Vault used for?

A data vault is a data modelling design pattern that is used to create a large data warehouses.

What is ref. no Aadhaar Vault?

The reference no is the key that helps in unlocking the Aadhar data vault.