NCSC Chief Technical Officer, Ollie Whitehouse, urged all UK organizations to develop strategies to move beyond traditional password and multi-factor authentication solutions, stating they protect against common cyber threats such as phishing and credential stuffing. “We strongly advise all organizations to implement passkeys wherever possible to enhance security, provide users with faster, frictionless logins and to save significant costs on SMS authentication,” he said. AI and Digital Government Minister Feryal Clark emphasized the importance of this transition: “This shift will not only save users valuable time when interacting with the government online, but it will reduce fraud and phishing risks that damage our economic growth”. Unlike traditional passwords, which can be guessed, stolen, or phished, passkeys leverage public-key cryptography to create a more secure authentication system. GOV.UK services, which cover critical areas including benefit claims, childcare support, and tax credits, will transition to this more secure authentication method, positioning the UK as a global leader in passwordless technology adoption. Additionally, the UK government has joined the FIDO Alliance, an open industry association dedicated to shaping password-free authentication standards. Cyber Security News is a Dedicated News Platform For Cyber News, Cyber Attack News, Hacking News & Vulnerability Analysis. When implementing passkeys, a private key is stored on the user’s device and used to create cryptographic authentication signatures. Announced during the CYBERUK 2025 conference in Manchester, this initiative aims to replace the current SMS-based two-factor verification system across government accounts by the end of 2025. Authentication is enabled through biometric sensors such as fingerprint or facial recognition, eliminating the need for users to remember complex passwords. Kaaviya is a Security Editor and fellow reporter with Cyber Security News. The government’s membership in the FIDO Alliance will enable it to play an active role in the evolution of passkey standards, ensuring the UK maintains its position at the forefront of cybersecurity innovation.
This Cyber News was published on cybersecuritynews.com. Publication date: Wed, 07 May 2025 16:19:58 +0000