ANZ to launch password-less web banking with enhanced security

ANZ has announced it will introduce password-less web banking for its ANZ Plus digital banking platform, with the feature set to launch in mid-2025, making it the first Australian bank to offer a fully password-less web banking option.

The new system will allow customers to access ANZ Plus web banking without the need for traditional passwords, instead utilising stronger authentication methods. Customers will be able to log in by using a passkey, which could be a fingerprint, facial recognition, or their mobile device PIN, or by entering their mobile number and approving a login request sent to their secure ANZ Plus app.

Maile Carnegie, ANZ Group Executive Australia Retail, stated: "The introduction of Password-less Web Banking will revolutionise the way customers access their bank account. Not only will it be easier than ever to log into your account, we're helping our customers bank with confidence knowing their accounts are secure.

"By introducing this change, we're helping prevent customer log in details from the risk of data breaches or phishing attacks – providing an extra layer of protection and one less thing for customers to worry about when it comes to banking security."

This announcement is part of a wider suite of security features offered by ANZ to protect customers against fraud and scams. Among these is the ANZ CallSafe feature for calls to ANZ Plus, which helps customers and service teams verify the identity of the person they are speaking to, without the need to share sensitive information or passwords. Since its introduction in November 2024, CallSafe has authenticated customers more than 20,000 times.

Another upcoming feature is the ANZ Digital Padlock, expected to launch in mid-2025. This feature will allow customers to instantly 'lock down' access to their accounts if they suspect they are being targeted by cybercriminals, providing immediate action to prevent unauthorised access.

ANZ First Responders, a dedicated team of specialists, has been established to support customers who may have been targeted by cybercriminals. In the past year, the team has handled approximately 140,000 calls, resolving about 93% of these at the first point of contact.

The bank also offers ANZ Scam Safe, which comprises security controls designed to address specific scam types. Features include Geolocation and Active Call Status for dating and romance scams, Screen Share Protect for bank impersonation scams, and Crypto Protect for investment scams. ANZ reports that customers with Scam Safe's default settings are 34 times less likely to fall victim to scams, and that the Crypto Protect feature has intercepted about AUD $5.5 million in investment scam payments since its introduction in April 2024.

Enhanced biometric measures have also been implemented, starting at the onboarding stage for ANZ Plus. Selfie and identification document verification ensures that only the legitimate document owner can join. Selfie ID is also used when resetting an account's access PIN or increasing payment limits.

ANZ is reminding customers to remain vigilant against scams. The bank's advice is not to give personal information or money to anyone if there is any doubt, as scammers often impersonate legitimate organisations, including banks, government entities, police, or telecommunications companies. Customers are urged never to click on links in messages and to use contact information sourced from official websites or secure apps. If in doubt, customers should hang up or delete suspicious messages.

The bank also recommends acting quickly if something feels wrong. Customers who have already sent money and suspect fraud should contact their bank immediately.