UK.gov begins killing off passwords for 23 million users

The UK government has embarked on a project to transition more than 23 million users away from traditional passwords, potentially saving considerable funds in the process. This shift toward passkeys is being implemented across GOV.UK One Login, following a successful trial with over 300,000 users. Passkeys allow users to sign in using biometric data, such as fingerprints or Face ID, or a device PIN, eliminating the need for passwords and two-factor authentication codes.

According to the government, passkeys are up to eight times faster than conventional methods. Not only does this transition benefit users with speed and convenience, but it also saves taxpayers approximately £600 daily in SMS costs. Passkeys are designed to be resistant to phishing attacks, as they rely on cryptographic credentials specific to the website or application, rather than passwords that can be exploited or shared.

While the NCSC encourages the adoption of passkeys, they remain optional for now. Passkeys offer a robust alternative to passwords, deterring cybercriminals and streamlining the login process for both users and government services. Despite the progress, there is still a portion of the user base that prefers the traditional methods.

GOV.UK One Login serves as a unified account for accessing various government services, including pension management, tax services, and childcare support. Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock highlighted that the initiative aims to enhance user accessibility while bolstering security against fraudsters.