Launched in March 2003, Singapore Personal Access or more commonly known as SingPass, allows citizens to transact with over 60 government agencies online easily and securely.
The government enabled two-factor authentication (2FA) for SingPass accounts to improve security in 2016. The measures required users to input a code from a physical “OneKey” token in addition to their regular password to access their accounts.
OneKey Tokens to be phased out by April 2021
On 31 March 2020, the Singapore government announced plans to phase out the physical tokens, which make up only two percent of logins. The government have announced that the new tokens and replacements will no longer be issued from October, and they will stop working entirely from April 2021.
Launched in October 2018, SingPass mobile app provides a secure and convenient way for users to access government digital services using fingerprint, face recognition or a 6-digit passcode.
Users can also view their MyInfo Profile, carry out in-person identity verification using QR code, and access commonly-used digital services through the shortcuts.
To date, 3.5 million SingPass users have activated their two-factor authentication (2FA). 2FA is used for secure digital transactions and consists of a two-step login. There are three methods for 2FA. Users can use SPM, or key in a one-time PIN sent via SMS (SMS 2FA) or key in a one-time PIN generated on a physical OneKey token.
SingPass Mobile most popular way to access government services
Currently, 98 percent of 2FA logins to government services use SingPass Mobile or SMS 2FA, and only 2 percent use OneKey token.
The government is now encouraging users to use the SingPass Mobile app. As of March 2020, the number of SingPass Mobile (SPM) users has surpassed one million.
Kok Ping Soon, Chief Executive of GovTech, said, “The SingPass Mobile app is key to Singapore’s national digital identity initiative. We are encouraged by the strong support so far and will do more to promote the use of the app, so that more users can transact online with the government and the private sector easily and conveniently.
He added that the government will also work with “partner agencies to help more citizens learn how to use SingPass Mobile, and continue to find new solutions which ensure security and convenience for our citizens.”
During the transition period, GovTech recommends that users refer to instruction guides on how to set up their SingPass Mobile app and those who need further assistance can visit any of the 46 SingPass counters nationwide.
GovTech will be working closely with the Infocomm Media Development Authority (IMDA) and People’s Association to assist citizens during the transition.
