UK Government’s new passkey rollout will now let users sign in to their GOV.UK One Login using just their fingerprint, Face ID or PIN.
The Government has introduced a new login feature for Brits’ online services in a bid to protect more than 23 million against ‘scammers’. The new passkey rollout will now let users sign in to their GOV.UK One Login using just their fingerprint, Face ID or PIN.
This means people will now have access to these government services in a faster and more secure way as they will no longer have to remember a password. The introduction of passkeys will also help protect users from phishing and other cyber threats as there will be ‘no password for scammers to steal through a phishing email or fake website’.
This is because passkeys are tied to the specific device or websites and cannot be guessed or reused. At present more than 300,000 users have already switched to using passkeys as part of the government’s initial trial of the safer log in option.
And now the passkey option is being made available to millions of GOV.UK One Login users. The new passkey sign-in feature will still be optional so users can continue to use a password to login if they prefer.
But it is said passkey logins are eight times faster than signing in with a username, password and 2-step verification code process. The new sign-in rollout can be used to login to a wide range of government services such as managing tax services, accessing childcare support and checking your State Pension.
The Government said the new ‘secure’ sign-in can even be used when trying to renew your driving licence. Stephanie Peacock, The Digital Government Minister, said: “Nobody enjoys hunting for a forgotten password or waiting for a text message code just to check their tax return or renew a document.
“Passkeys mean people can access the services they rely on in seconds, using the same face or fingerprint scan they already use to unlock their phone. This is about making government services safer and simpler for everyone, while giving people stronger protection against the fraudsters who target passwords.”
Jonathon Ellison, NCSC director for national resilience, said: “The introduction of passkeys for GOV.UK One Login will give users a simpler, faster and more secure way to sign in to many public-facing government services while leaving password headaches behind. Cyber criminals often look for the easiest route to access important accounts, which means login details remain a common target.
“But passkeys offer a highly phishing-resistant alternative to passwords, frustrating attackers and saving the public time. We strongly encourage users to set up a passkey for GOV.UK One Login and to do so wherever passkeys are available across digital services. By taking this small but significant step, you can help protect your online accounts and raise our collective resilience, making the UK safer.”
