- Customer
security at forefront of DoTDirect changes in July
- PDA
booking system moves to DoTDirect for learner drivers
- Customers
offered stronger security options to protect licence information from misuse
The Cook Labor Government will implement
further changes to strengthen security for Department of Transport (DoT) online
customers and improve the practical driving assessment (PDA) online booking
system.
From July 1, learner drivers will require a
DoTDirect online account to book, change or cancel a PDA booking, while
two-factor authentication will be required to access all DoTDirect accounts,
and a new licence block function will protect customers from being a victim of
identity fraud in the event of a data breach.
In conjunction with two-factor
authentication adding an extra layer of security, moving learner driver access
to the PDA booking system into DoTDirect will further restrict the use of bots
that sweep the current system for available spots.
All DoTDirect customers will be prompted to
turn on two-factor authentication the next time they log into DoTDirect and
enter a verification code sent to their mobile number every time they access
their account.
DoT's licence block enables DoTDirect
customers to take control of their identity security by placing a block on
their driver's licence details from being used for online for identity
verification purposes through the Australian Government's Document Verification
Service.
The new function, similar to placing a block
on a lost or stolen credit card via a banking app, can be switched on or off at
any time. This means customers can be proactive and put the licence block in
place to protect themselves should their licence details be lost, stolen or
compromised in a future data breach.
A blocked driver's licence can still be used
as an authorisation to drive and for identity verification purposes where a
visual check of the licence is sufficient, such as picking up a parcel or
buying alcohol.
For more information on the changes to
DoTDirect, visit the Department of Transport website.
Comments
attributed to Transport Minister Rita Saffioti:
"As a Government, we are constantly looking
at ways we can improve security for customers and the launch of two factor authentication
and the new licence block function will further protect the personal
information of people who use DoTDirect.
"DoTDirect contains sensitive personal
information, and these extra checks to prove the person attempting to log in to
DoTDirect is the genuine account holder helps to keep their personal
information safe.
"We've also made the decision to move our
PDA booking system onto DoTDirect, which will further limit the impact of bots
on the availability of tests.
"We want to make sure there is a level
playing field when it comes to the availability of PDA bookings, and moving to
DoTDirect means people won't be disadvantaged by unscrupulous operators using
bots to sweep our system for available bookings."
Comments attributed to the Minister
Assisting the Minister for Transport David Michael:
"With the rise in data breaches, the launch
of the two-factor authentication is an important step in protecting customers
and their personal information.
"The new licence block function will also
provide people with peace of mind that if they lose their licence or suspect
their information has been compromised, they can place a block on their licence
information to ensure it isn't used by any third parties.
"I also welcome the announcement that PDA
bookings will be moving to DoT Direct, which is another important step in our
Government's efforts to even the playing field and stamp out the use of bots."
