SingPass 2-step verification deadline approaching

IMPACT – HIGH

What is the change? Starting July 5, the Ministry of Manpower will require all Employment Pass Online (EPOL) and Work Permit Online (WPOL) administrators and users to log in with their “2 Factor Authorization” (2FA).

What does the change mean? EPOL and WPOL administrators and users who fail to set up their 2FA by July 5 will not be able to perform sensitive government electronic transactions.

• Implementation time frame: July 5.
• Who is affected: EPOL and WPOL administrators and users.
• Next Steps:Businesses should make sure that EPOL and WPOL administrators within their companies set up their SingPass 2FA as soon as possible to avoid disruption in performing electronic transactions with government agencies.

Background: The two-step verification (2FA) was introduced as an option in 2015 to better protect personal data and to counter rising security threats. This February, the Ministry of Manpower began requiring new EPOL and WPOL administrators and users to use their 2FA when logging in to the respective websites. On July 5, it will be mandatory for all EPOL and WPOL administrators and users.

Government agencies such as the Ministry of Manpower, the Central Provident Fund, the Inland Revenue Authority of Singapore and the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority will require the 2FA for users to be eligible to perform more than 100 electronic transactions.

BAL Analysis: Government agencies, in particular the InfoComm Development Authority, have indicated that electronic services would continue to be developed to ensure that they are as user-friendly as possible without compromising security.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group in Singapore. For additional information, please contact singapore@bal.com.

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