Whitehall Cuts SMS Costs With Passkey Rollout

The UK government is expanding the availability of passkeys for more than 23 million users via GOV.UK One Login, a move that serves as both a security upgrade and a cost-saving measure. According to reporting from The Register, the shift allows users to authenticate via device PIN, Face ID, or fingerprints, bypassing the need for traditional passwords and two-factor authentication (2FA) codes.

While the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) emphasizes that passkeys provide a phishing-resistant alternative to passwords, the government is also eyeing the bottom line. The Register reports that government figures show the move is already cutting nearly £600 in daily SMS expenses for taxpayers. Government data indicates that passkeys are up to eight times faster than the username and 2FA code process, and currently account for nearly 10 percent of daily One Login sign-ins.

Digital Government Minister Stephanie Peacock stated the rollout aims to make services harder for fraudsters to exploit while simplifying access for citizens. The One Login system is used for various services, including childcare support, tax services, and State Pension details. Jonathon Ellison, director for national resilience at the NCSC, noted that passkeys frustrate attackers by replacing stealable passwords with cryptographic credentials tied to specific apps or sites.

Despite the push, passwords remain an option for users who prefer them. This broader release comes after a trial that included over 300,000 participants.