In a groundbreaking move, federal government services in Australia are bidding farewell to passwords and two-factor authentication. The advent of an encrypted passkey system is underway, ushering in an era where MyGov portal access will be granted through facial scans, fingerprints, or PINs. This innovative approach not only enhances security but also nullifies the need for traditional authentication methods, mitigating the risks of phishing and identity theft scams.

The passkey system operates on a globally accepted technical standard, championed by industry giants Apple, Google, Samsung, and Microsoft. This collaborative effort promises swifter, simpler, and more secure logins across various websites and applications. Bid farewell to the hassle of password memorisation or recovery – the passkey evolution is here to stay.

MyGov proudly leads the charge as the first Australian government service to embrace the passkey system. This shift is prompted by the alarming detection of over 6,000 unique MyGov scams this year, prompting a decisive move towards cutting-edge security measures. Users of the MyGov app will be able to disable traditional user ID and password access, relying instead on their device for seamless logins through preferred biometrics or PIN.

Beyond simplifying access, this technology is a formidable deterrent against cyber data breaches, such as the Optus and Medibank incidents last year. By eliminating the need for storing user IDs and passwords, website owners can significantly fortify their defences against malicious attacks.

The anticipated rollout of this transformative technology is scheduled for next year. As a result, website owners will no longer be burdened with retaining customers’ personal details. Each passkey, ensures an additional layer of security, minimising the potential damage in the event of identity credentials being compromised.

As we stand at the brink of a technological revolution in online security, it’s imperative to stay informed and prepared. Avance Chartered Accountants is your trusted partner in navigating these changes seamlessly. If you have any queries about the impending passkey system rollout or any other related matters, our experts are ready to assist you.