- The government abandons SMS connections, replacing them with secure and phishing passage keys
- Passkeys reduces connection times and costs while stimulating access to digital service
- UK joins Fido Alliance to shape the future of secure authentication
The British government said it would deploy Passkey technology through its digital services later in 2025, aimed at eliminating SMS -based verification in favor of a more secure and friendly alternative.
Passkeys are unique digital identification information related to the personal device of a user and offer a way to authenticate identity without the need for traditional passwords or punctual text codes.
Passkeys never leave the device and therefore cannot be reused on websites, which makes them resistant to phishing and other current attacks.
Strengthening cyber-resilience
The National Cyber Security Center (NCSC) of the United Kingdom said that the transition to the Passkeys will strengthen national cyber-resilience.
“The NCSC has a declared objective for the United Kingdom to go beyond passwords in favor of Pass keys, because they are sure against common cyber-men as well as phishing and farce of diplomas,” said Ollie Whitehouse, chief technical director of the NCSC.
“By adopting Passkey technology, the government does not only give an example by strengthening the security of its services, but by facilitating and faster for citizens to access it.”
This deployment could also allow millions per year from the government by removing SMS -based costs, while reducing the average connection time for users.
“The replacement of older methods such as the verification of SMS with modern and secure Passkeys keys will make people more quickly and easier for people to access essential services,” said Feryal Clark, the Minister of AI and digital authorization.
The NCSC has also joined the Fido Alliance, an international group working on standards for connection without password.
“The adoption by the British government of Passkeys through its digital services reflects a deep decision which means protecting British citizens while providing greater security and operational efficiency to the government,” said Andrew Shikiar, Executive Director and CEO of the Fido Alliance.
Although Passkeys is not without challenges, such as recovery options, synchronization of devices and inconsistent platform support, the government considers them as the future of digital identity. The NCSC says that it is actively working with sellers and international organizations to solve problems with Pass keys and accelerate adoption.
