Breach alert: Key steps to verify if your data has been compromised

Lock up Aadhaar biometric; in future keep a close tab on SMS inbox, financial statements, credit report

An alleged data breach involving 815 million Indians has surfaced on the Dark Web. According to media reports, millions of Indians’ Aadhaar and passport details, names, phone numbers, and temporary and permanent addresses have been stolen.

Says Ritesh Bhatia, cyber-crime investigator, cybersecurity, and data privacy consultant, “Investigations by several hacker groups show that the number could be much smaller — a few lakhs. Nonetheless, it’s important to take a few measures after this breach, besides being constantly vigilant.”

Steps you should take

The first step you should take, according to Bhatia, is to lock your biometrics for additional security. Your