AusKey - Single secure sign-on

A key way SBR will reduce the burden of business-to-government reporting is through the use of a 'single secure sign-on,' or common authentication system, for government online services.

This will mean a single credential (e.g. user ids, PIN/passwords, digital certificates) for interacting with government rather than maintaining separate credentials for each agency interaction.

The new credential, AusKey, has been designed and developed in consultation with businesses, their intermediaries, government agencies and software developers. It will be common to all agencies participating in SBR, and will balance the benefits of utility/convenience and the security standards that businesses expect from online authentication systems.

The credential, AusKey, will be available starting middle May 2010 in preparation for the SBR commencement on 01 July 2010.

Businesses and their intermediaries will be directed to registration facilities by their software or the login screen of the online service they are trying to access. Meanwhile, there will also be a link to the credential’s website from the Australian Business Register.