The Australian Government, through Services Australia, has issued a timely reminder coinciding with Cyber Security Awareness Month in October, urging all users to enhance the protection of their myGov accounts. This essential security measure involves using the new Security review feature available on the myGov homepage. Completing this quick online check is designed to safeguard users against scams and identity theft by guiding them to implement stronger sign-in credentials, such as a passkey or Digital ID, and to disable the use of their email or mobile number as an additional username. This proactive step is crucial for maintaining the security of an individual’s account and all linked government services.
Detailed list of key details
- Announcement institution: Services Australia.
- Service being protected: myGov account. myGov is described as a simple and secure way to access various online government services.
- Published date: 1 October 2025.
- Relevant period: October is Cyber Security Awareness Month.
- Key security feature: The Security review, which is found on the myGov homepage after signing in.
- Security threat addressed: Protection from scams and identity theft.
- Recommended security upgrades: Setting up stronger sign in options, specifically a passkey or Digital ID.
- Recommended security step (Removal): Turning off the option to use email and mobile number as additional usernames.
- Benefit of action: The best way to keep the myGov account, and all linked services, safe from unauthorised access.
- Internal reference: QC 83189.
- People/Positions/Amounts/Age: The announcement does not specify any particular individuals, their positions, specific amounts, or age requirements; it applies to all myGov account holders.
- Related services/institutions: PRODA, HPOS, Business Hub, Aged Care Provider Portal, Centrelink Business Online, and Child Support Business Online are mentioned as associated services, highlighting the importance of myGov security.
Full explanation of the government announcement
Crikey, mate, the Australian Government is having a big push on online safety, especially during October, which is nationally recognised as Cyber Security Awareness Month. Services Australia has put the word out that it’s high time for everyone who uses a myGov account to have a quick squiz at their security settings. This is dead-set critical because your myGov account holds the keys to essential services like Centrelink, Medicare, and the ATO, so keeping it safe is your top priority. The whole point of the announcement is to encourage you to take a few minutes to upgrade your digital defences against the relentless threat of scams and identity theft.
The government understands that security can feel a bit complex, which is why they have rolled out a dedicated ‘Security review’ feature right on the myGov homepage. This feature acts as a virtual security mate, walking you through the process of setting up far more robust sign-in options, like a passkey or the secure Digital ID. Furthermore, it guides you to turn off the less secure options of using your email or mobile number as an additional username. If you want to learn more about keeping your account shipshape and safe, you can always check the full details available on the source page here: Protect your myGov account with a quick online security check.
By implementing these changes, you are essentially erecting a digital fortress around your personal government data. It is a straightforward, no-fuss way to ensure that your private information remains yours and yours alone, protecting your access to crucial linked services from any unauthorised stickybeaks.
How to protect your myGov account
Taking part in this security upgrade is a simple process that anyone with a myGov account can complete, ensuring your online interactions with the government are secure. Here are the steps to follow to complete your security check and implement the strongest possible sign-in options:
- Sign in to myGov: Access your myGov account as you normally would using your current sign-in details.
- Locate the Security review: Once you are signed in, you will find a prompt or link for the ‘Security review’ prominently displayed on your myGov homepage.
- Follow the guided prompts: The system will then guide you step-by-step through the process of setting up stronger sign-in credentials.
- Set up a stronger option: As part of the review, you will be prompted to set up a modern, highly secure method such as a passkey or to utilise your Digital ID.
- Remove less secure usernames: You will also be prompted to disable your email address and mobile phone number from being used as alternative usernames for your account. This simple change significantly reduces the risk of someone guessing their way into your account.
This process is the single best way to keep your entire digital government service ecosystem safe from unauthorised access. For more insights and government advice, you might want to check out further information on Services Australia updates.
Community Q&A on myGov security
- What is the main reason for this announcement? The main reason is to encourage myGov users to upgrade their online security during Cyber Security Awareness Month in October to protect against scams and identity theft.
- When was this information published? The announcement was published on 1 October 2025.
- Where do I find the security upgrade feature? You find the feature, called the ‘Security review’, on your myGov homepage after you sign in.
- What are the stronger sign-in options being recommended? The stronger options being recommended are setting up a passkey or using your Digital ID.
- Why is a passkey or Digital ID better than my current sign-in? They offer a much higher level of security, often using biometric data or secure hardware, making them resistant to phishing and other common cyber attacks.
- Do I have to do this security check? While it is not mandatory, the government strongly advises it, calling it ‘the best way’ to keep your account safe from unauthorised access.
- What is Services Australia? Services Australia is the government agency responsible for delivering a range of government payments and services, including those accessed through myGov.
- What is the risk if I do not upgrade my security? The risk is that your account and linked services could be compromised, leading to scams, identity theft, and unauthorised access to your personal information.
- Can I still use my email address to log in? The Security review guides you to turn off your email and mobile number as an ‘additional username’ for better security.
- What happens to my linked services like Medicare or Centrelink? Improving your myGov security automatically protects all the services you have linked to it.
- What is a passkey? A passkey is a digital credential that allows you to sign in to apps and websites without a traditional password, often using your device’s security features.
- Will this security check take a long time? No, the announcement encourages users to take ‘a few minutes’ to complete the check.
- What does the myGov homepage display after I sign in? The Security review link or prompt is displayed on the myGov homepage.
- Who does this announcement apply to? This announcement applies to all individuals who have a myGov account.
- What is Cyber Security Awareness Month? It is an annual initiative, held in October, to raise public awareness about the importance of cyber security.
- What is a Digital ID? A Digital ID is a simple, secure, and reusable way to prove who you are online when accessing government services.
- Can I still get news and updates from Services Australia? Yes, you can subscribe to their news feed, which includes an RSS option, to receive regular news highlights.
