Bug Bounty Programme-UIDAI
Why in News?
On March 11, 2026, the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) has officially launched its first structured Bug Bounty Programme.
About
- Official Launch: The programme was announced to further fortify the security of the Aadhaar ecosystem, which is the cornerstone of India's digital identity.
- Expert Panel Selection: A specialized panel of 20 experienced cybersecurity researchers and ethical hackers has been selected to probe key digital assets for vulnerabilities.
- Strategic Partnership: The initiative is being implemented in collaboration with M/s ComOlho IT Private Limited, a cybersecurity solutions provider.
Scope and Targeted Assets
The programme invites researchers to identify and responsibly report security gaps in specific UIDAI digital platforms, including:
- Official UIDAI Website: The primary information hub for residents.
- myAadhaar Portal: The interface used by citizens for various Aadhaar-related services.
- Secure QR Code Application: The tool used for offline verification of Aadhaar data.
Reward Structure
- Severity-Based Payouts: Rewards are distributed based on the seriousness of the identified vulnerability.
- Risk Categorization: Potential security gaps are classified into four categories: Critical, High, Medium, and Low risk.
- Global Alignment: The payout model aligns with standard practices used by major global technology platforms to incentivize high-quality research.
Eligibility and Selection Criteria
Participation is highly selective to ensure a "secure and authorized environment":
- Top-Tier Talent: Candidates must typically be listed in the top 100 of global bug bounty leaderboards (such as HackerOne or Bugcrowd) or have a proven track record with companies like Google, Microsoft, or Apple.
- Vetting Process: Shortlisted researchers undergo background verification, which includes proof of Indian Citizenship and a signed Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA).
- Conflict of Interest: Current or former employees of UIDAI or its contracted technology support partners (within the last 7 years) are ineligible to participate.
Objectives and Implementation
- Proactive Defense: The goal is to move from reactive patching to a proactive strategy by identifying "hidden risks" before they can be exploited by malicious actors.
- Layered Security: This programme serves as an additional layer of protection, complementing UIDAI's existing measures like regular security audits, vulnerability assessments, and continuous monitoring.
- Triage and Validation: The partner, ComOlho IT, manages the submission process, validates findings, and facilitates communication between the "bounty hunters" and the UIDAI Tech Centre in Bengaluru.
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