TV
People nowadays spend too much time with technology, mostly being active on social media, and sharing images, videos, and personal details.
However, this can be risky. A recent report highlights how seemingly harmless social media photos can pose serious security threats.
Specifically, images showing fingerprints can be exploited by cybercriminals to withdraw funds through the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) and engage in other illegal activities.
Navbharat Times reported this issue, quoting ACP Cyber Crime Vivek Ranjan Roy. According to the report, there have been over ten cases in Noida where criminals have cloned individuals’ fingerprints from social media photos and misused them.
Authorities are advising the public, especially students, to be cautious when posting photos online. It is crucial to avoid sharing images that reveal sensitive information like fingerprints.
To protect yourself from such scams, consider the following steps:
Disable AePS
If you are worried about fingerprint theft, you can disable the Aadhaar Enabled Payment System (AePS) through your bank's online settings or by visiting your bank. This will prevent withdrawals using biometric data and help secure your account.
Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information
Refrain from posting photos or information that reveal your fingerprints, facial recognition data, or other biometric details on social media. Only accept a friend or follow requests from people you know.
Strengthen Privacy Settings
Enhance the privacy settings on all your online accounts, including social media and banking apps. Set limits on how much money you can transfer online to further protect your account.
Report Suspicious Activity
If you suspect your biometric information may be misused, promptly report the issue to the relevant authorities or the cybercrime department.
