How to Keep Your ABHA ID Secure?

Significance of ABHA ID Security

 

An ABHA ID is more than a digital identifier. It serves as an entrance to thousands of sensitive personal health information, such as medical records, prescriptions, treatments, and diagnoses. Unauthorized access or alteration can lead to extreme consequences, including identity theft, financial fraud and improper use of medical records. Therefore, your ABHA ID must be safeguarded with the same attention as you would your bank account details, credit card information or any other confidential data.

By keeping your ABHA ID safe, you ensure that your health information is not misused. This, in turn, will improve the effectiveness of India's healthcare system in maintaining the health of the citizens.

 

Safeguard Your ABHA Credentials

 

Your ABHA ID credentials, which may comprise your unique ID number, passwords, and PINs, serve as the essential gateway to your health data. Securing all of these credentials is essentially the first step to safeguarding your account.

• Create Strong, Unique Passwords: When creating passwords for your ABHA ID account, make sure to choose passwords that are both complex and unique. Avoid using easily identifiable information such as your name, birth date, or simple sequences of numbers. A good password usually contains a mix of uppercase letters, lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
• Enable Multi-Factor Authentication: Multi-factor authentication (MFA) makes your accounts more secure because a second form of verification, such as a one-time password OTP sent to the mobile or email, is asked. Once MFA has been turned on, any individual with your password will require the second authentication factor and, hence, significantly minimize unauthorized access.
• Do not share your credentials: Never share your ABHA ID number, password, or PIN with anyone. No authentic organization will ask for your login credentials over a phone call, email, or SMS. Always be cautious and check the authenticity of any request for such sensitive information. Sharing your credentials or keeping them in insecure places increases the chances of fraud or exploitation.

 

Protect Your Devices and Networks

 

Protecting the devices and networks you use to access your ABHA ID is essential and as crucial as safeguarding your login credentials. Any breach of your device or network could result in unauthorized access to your ABHA ID.

• Utilize Reliable Devices: Access your ABHA account exclusively from reliable personal devices. Public or shared computers may harbor malware or other security vulnerabilities that can jeopardize your data. Ensure that your device is secured with a password or utilize biometric authentication, such as fingerprint or facial recognition to safeguard it.
• Maintain Updated Software: It is crucial to ensure that the operating system, applications, and security software on your device are updated. Software updates frequently include security patches that address vulnerabilities, ensuring that you remain protected against cyber threats. To guarantee your safety, configure your device to automatically download and install updates.
• Protect Your Internet Connection: Always connect to the ABHA ID using an encrypted, secure and private Internet connection. Public Wi-Fi networks can be vulnerable to interception by malicious actors for cybercrimes because they are inherently insecure.

 

Regularly Monitor Your ABHA ID and Health Records

 

One of the most effective strategies for detecting security breaches or unauthorized access to your ABHA ID is to actively monitor your account activity. This ensures that you can quickly identify suspicious actions early and subsequently take prompt action.

• Notification and Alert Setup: Turn on activity alerts on your ABHA account to ensure you receive real-time notifications for any logins, updates, or modifications made to your account. These alerts enable you to monitor any suspicious activity, such as unauthorized access or unexpected alterations in your health records.
• Conduct Regular Reviews of Your Health Records: Verify that all the information associated with your ABHA ID health records is accurate and up to date. Identify any discrepancies or unknown entries as they may signal potential unauthorized access or alterations. Promptly report any unusual findings to the relevant authorities.

 

Exercise Caution Regarding Phishing and Social Engineering Attacks

 

Phishing and social engineering represent prevalent tactics employed by cybercriminals to extract sensitive information, including ABHA ID credentials. These attempts may be delivered through email, text messages, or telephone calls.

Here’s how you can practice caution.

• Remain cautious regarding unsolicited requests for information: Reputable institutions and authorities will never contact you via phone call or email asking for personal information, including your ABHA ID or password. If you receive such a request, do not succumb to these solicitations and refrain from responding.
• Identify Phishing Attempts: Exercise caution regarding emails or text messages that appear suspicious, such as messages containing poor grammar, incorrectly spelt URLs or requests for immediate action. Always verify the links by hovering over them before clicking to ensure they direct you to the legitimate website.
• Educate Yourself on Cyber Threats: Remain informed regarding the most frequent phishing strategies and social engineering tactics. Numerous organizations and cybersecurity firms offer online resources that provide valuable guidance on safeguarding yourself against phishing and other forms of cybercrime.

 

Take Appropriate Measures Following a Cyberattack

 

If you suspect that your ABHA ID has been compromised, act swiftly to minimize the impact that may have already occurred.

• Update Your Credentials Immediately: Change your password and PIN promptly upon noticing any unauthorized access to your ABHA account. Additionally, revise all security-related information to safeguard your account against further incidents.
• Report Any Incidents: Notify any suspicious or unauthorized activity to the platform's help desk. This will enable you to receive assistance in securing your account and ensuring that your health data remains protected.
• Monitor Account and Health Records: Continue to review your account and health records for any additional unusual activity after reporting a breach. Take necessary measures if needed to further secure your data.

 

Summing Up

 

Safeguarding your ABHA ID is crucial for maintaining the confidentiality of your sensitive health information and the security of your medical records. By implementing best practices, such as using strong passwords, multi-factor authentication, and securing your devices and networks, you will significantly reduce the likelihood of unauthorized access.

 

FAQs

 

1. How secure is the ABHA card?

The ABHA health card has strong security features to protect your personal health information. Certain privacy protocols ensure that your data remains confidential and only authorised entities can access such information.

2. How to get an ABHA card?

You can create your ABHA card by visiting the official ABHA ID portal at abha.abdm.gov.in.

3. Can I use my ABHA number to share health data?

Yes, you can use your ABA number to share your health data with the people only you want to share with. Create an ABDM ABHA address and link it with your ABHA number to start sharing your health data.