Employers reminded to activate SingPass 2FA for online access

IMPACT – MEDIUM

What is the change? Singapore citizens, permanent residents and work pass holders are reminded of the July 4 deadline to activate their SingPass 2-factor authorization (2FA) for access to more than 100 e-services across various government websites, including Employment Pass Online and Work Permit Online.

What does the change mean? All users who have not activated their SingPass 2FA should do so immediately by following the steps on their PIN mailer. As of July 5, users will not be able to log in without their SingPass 2FA. Administrators and users of company Employment Pass Online and Work Permit Online portals will need to activate their 2FAs to be able to submit work pass applications.

• Implementation time frame: July 5.
• Who is affected: Administrators and users of Employment Pass Online and Work Permit Online.
• Next steps: Employers should make sure that their users have set up their SingPass 2FA to avoid disruption in accessing e-services and performing online transactions with government agencies.

Background: The Ministry of Manpower reminded users in April that the SingPass 2FA would become mandatory July 5 for all users logging on to perform select e-transactions with government websites. The two-step verification is intended to protect personal data and prevent security breaches.

BAL Analysis: Users who have not already activated their SingPass 2FA should do so immediately. Those who do not have a PIN mailer may request a new one by sending a text message to 78111 from the same mobile number registered with their SingPass account. The format of the message should be “Resend PIN mailer” followed by the appropriate NRIC Postal Code, e.g., “Resend PIN mailer S1234567A 098765.”

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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