Can the UK’s New Digital ID Stay Safe from Cyber Threats?

The UK government is rolling out a new digital identity system that will let people prove who they are online when using public services. But as the project expands, experts are asking how secure it really is, and whether personal data will be safe.

What the Plan Looks Like

The new system is built around two main parts:

• GOV.UK One Login, which gives people one account to access all government services.
• GOV.UK Wallet, an upcoming app that will let users store verified details like their name, date of birth, and proof of residence on their phone.

More than 12 million people already have a One Login account, and the government expects that number to keep rising.

Why People Are Worried

Cyber-security specialists say putting so much personal information in one place could make the system a prime target for hackers.

Recent reports have also pointed out that:

• The One Login system temporarily lost its security certification earlier this year after a supplier failed to renew accreditation.
• A government test team once managed to access restricted areas of the system, showing possible weaknesses.
• Some people may struggle to use the new ID system if they don’t have enough digital records or financial history to verify their identity.

What the Government Say

Officials say One Login meets strict security and privacy standards, goes through regular testing, and that personal data is kept in separate government departments rather than one large database.
They’ve promised that the system will continue to be tested and improved.

In a response to questions on security concerns, Maggie Jones, the minister for online safety stated:

“These comments are outdated and reflect a view from when the programme was in its infancy in 2023. We have worked to address all these concerns - and risk mitigation will continue to be central to our approach, to ensure we keep pace with the constantly changing cyber threat landscape.”

Lessons from Other Countries

Countries like Estonia and India show that secure digital IDs depend on strong cybersecurity foundations - not just convenience.

Key lessons for the UK:

• Decentralise data to reduce breach risk.
• Use zero-trust architecture and continuous verification.
• Work with vetted cybersecurity partners for testing and oversight.
• Ensure transparent governance to build public trust.
• Promote digital literacy to reduce user-related vulnerabilities.

Global examples prove that digital IDs can work safely - but only when security, privacy, and accountability come before scale.

In short:

The UK’s digital ID could make life easier for millions, but it also raises big questions about privacy, safety, and trust. Whether it succeeds will depend on how strong its cyber-security really is - and how open the government is about fixing any issues that come up.