Protecting your Digital ID

How we protect your information

The Australian Government is serious about your safety and privacy. myID is accredited under the Digital ID Accreditation SchemeOpens in a new window which includes strict rules and standards for privacy protection, security, usability, accessibility, risk management, fraud control and more. A list of accredited entities is available at the Accredited entities register.Opens in a new window

When using government online services, your personal information won’t be shared without your permission – putting you in control.

myID uses encryption and cryptographic technology as well as the security features in your device, such as fingerprint, face or password. This protects your ID and helps stop other people accessing your information.

Your ID documents are not stored or accessible in the myID app. Only your core details are stored in the app, such as your name, date of birth and email address.

When verifying your documents or face, your details are checked against existing government records to confirm your identity. Face verification is a one-off process that checks you’re a real person, the right person, and verifying in real time. After this one-off verification process, your photo is deleted.

See myID privacy policy for more information about:

• what personal information we collect and how we manage it
• your rights to access or seek correction of your personal information held by us.

How you can protect your myID

It’s your responsibility to protect your myID to ensure the security of your identity and personal information.

To protect your myID from being used fraudulently:

• Don’t share your myID or password with other people. Your myID belongs to you, and sharing it could enable others to access your personal data across services such as tax and health.
• Use a strong password or passphrase.
• Keep your contact details up to date in the app.
• Use your device’s security features, such as face or fingerprint recognition, to log in.
• Turn on push notifications in your app to ensure you receive
  • login notifications
  • notifications when your myID is set up on another device.
• Keep your device software and myID app up to date to ensure you have the latest security updates.
• Be wary of the warning signs of scams.

Staying safe online is also an important part of protecting your myID:

• Protect your email account by using strong and secure passwords or passphrases, and multifactor authentication.
• Store your ID documents securely. Don’t store them in emails and be careful who you share these with.
• Install anti-virus software on all devices. Set the software to automatically check for daily updates.
• Treat requests for personal information with caution. Never reply to communications with your password or other sensitive information.

For more information about staying safe online, visit cyber.gov.auOpens in a new window

Report a security concern

Your Remain alert and phone our support line immediately to report:

• a lost or stolen device
• a device or record you don’t recognise in your myID setup history 
• inappropriate access to your personal information in myID, even if you only suspect it
• suspicious activity – for example, if you receive a notification for an action you didn’t do
• if you’ve engaged with a scam.