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UK Government Announces Nationwide Rollout of Passwordless Passkeys for Gov.UK Services

The move, revealed at the CyberUK conference, aims to enhance cybersecurity and streamline access to public services by replacing passwords with device-specific passkeys later this year.

The passkey replaces passwords with a unique digital key
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Overview

  • Passkeys, cryptographic keys tied to user devices and unlocked via biometrics or PINs, will replace passwords across Gov.UK services.
  • The rollout comes as the UK faces a surge in cyberattacks, with nationally significant incidents doubling year-on-year since September 2024.
  • Passkeys are designed to resist phishing, credential theft, and SMS-based vulnerabilities, offering faster and more secure logins for users.
  • Digital Minister Feryal Clark emphasized the dual benefits of improved user experience and strengthened digital defenses for millions of citizens.
  • Backed by the National Cyber Security Centre, the initiative aligns with global trends, as tech giants like Google and Microsoft adopt similar passwordless authentication methods.