3 steps to secure
We encourage you to be proactive and secure your ATO online services access (through myGov) to protect against fraud. Read the following steps to check you have the strongest security possible for your circumstances.
Step 1: make your myID as strong as possible
We recommend using myID, the Australian Government's Digital ID app, as your sign in option to access ATO online services (through myGov).
myID requires you to verify your ID in the app making it harder for fraudsters to impersonate you.
Download the myID app from the App Store or Google Play. Set up your myIDExternal Link to a Strong or Standard ID strength. For the highest security, set up your myID to Strong if you can.
Step 2: use your myID to access or link to ATO online services
Using your myID to link to or access ATO online services through myGov:
- helps protect you from fraudsters trying to impersonate you or access your account
- gives you a flexible sign in option. Your myID isn't locked to a specific mobile number or device. If you get a new phone it can be set up again using only an internet connection.
- sets your 'online access strength'. This helps make your account more secure and better protected. To maintain this protection, continue using your myID (with the same or higher ID strength) to sign in to ATO online services through myGov.
If you're already linked to ATO online services, use your myID to sign in to myGovExternal Link and access ATO online services to secure your account.
If you don't have a myGov account or aren't linked to ATO online services, find out how to get started. To secure your access, use your myID to create or sign in to your myGov account and then link to the ATO.
Step 3: get the ATO app and allow push notifications
The ATO app is a simple and easy way you can access and manage your tax and super on the go. The ATO app is free to download and use.
The ATO app's year-round security benefits include:
- real time security messages alerting you when key changes are made to your ATO account
- the ability to lock your account to help keep it safe.
Even if you don’t use the app to manage your tax, it provides an additional level of security.
Download the ATO app from the App Store or Google Play. Once installed, make sure to register your device and enable push notifications so you're instantly alerted to changes in your account.
More information
For more information about protecting your identity, see How to stay scam safe.