Government to tighten website security

The UK government today unveiled plans to issue passwords and smart cards to securely identify users of its Web based services.

Cabinet office minister Ian McCartney said new security guidelines are being created with the Alliance for Electronic Business (AEB). An update on progress will be published in March.

Smartcards and passwords will be used to access certain government websites to validify users of services such as travel concessions, benefit enquiries, tax returns, health service applications and learning entitlements.

There will be a range of authentication levels for transactions of differing sensitivity.

McCartney commented: "These new initiatives will help bring about a revolution in tackling government bureaucracy by moving away from old fashioned paper processes for checking people's details."

"New technology has lit the touchpaper for the transformation and modernisation of public services. These guidelines for smart cards and authentication are part of this, helping us make services more convenient and responsive to people's needs," he added.