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In recent times, there has been a notable increase in fraudulent tax return lodgments across Australia, often resulting from compromised myGov accounts. The Australian Taxation Office has indicated that breaches of myGov accounts have been in those with a Basic or Standard identity level and potentially none with a Strong identity level.

On 13 November 2024 the Australian Government rebranded their digital identity management system from myGovID to myID. myID is the primary tool for verifying identity across government services, and in particular the myGov system.

Understanding myID Identity Strength Levels
myID employs a tiered identity verification system to safeguard user information:

• Basic: Minimal verification, offering limited access to services.
• Standard: Requires verification of two Australian identity documents, providing access to most services.
• Strong: Necessitates an Australian passport and a one-off face verification, granting the highest level of access and security.

Steps to Upgrade to ‘Strong’ Identity Strength
Achieving a ‘Strong’ identity strength enhances the security of your ID account. To upgrade:
1. Download the myID App: Available on both iOS and Android platforms.
2. Verify Your Australian Passport: Enter your passport details within the app.
3. Complete Face Verification: The app will prompt a one-time face verification process to confirm your identity.
Please note, obtaining a ‘Strong’ identity strength currently requires an Australian passport. For individuals without one, achieving this level of verification is not possible at this time.

Protecting Your Account
To further safeguard your myGov account:
• Be Vigilant of Scams: Be cautious of unsolicited communications requesting personal information or directing you to unfamiliar websites. The ATO and myGov will not send emails or SMS with links requesting your login details.
• Regularly Monitor Your Account: Periodically review your myGov account for any unauthorized activities.
• Report Suspicious Activity: If you suspect your account has been compromised, contact the ATO Client Identity Support Centre at 1800 467 033.

Conclusion
Cybersecurity is an ever-evolving challenge. Fraudulent activities, such as compromised myGov accounts, highlight the need to actively secure your personal information. Upgrading to a ‘Strong’ identity strength with myID is a vital step in safeguarding your data as part of a broader commitment to cybersecurity. Regularly monitoring your accounts, staying alert to scams, and adopting best practices such as strong and unique passwords and multi factor authentication for online safety are critical habits.