AUSkey is not a solution
I attempted to use the 'AusKey Secure Identity Data Exchange Thingy' only to find it does not work with GNU/Linux. I emailed them to let them know about their broken system and just recieved this cut&paste response:
The AUSkey solution currently does not support the Linux platform. This is consistent with other ATO systems. The 'technical information' link on the AUSkey site outlines the operating systems and browsers that are officially supported.
The ATO has in the past provided limited support for Linux through the provision of software to download and install the ATO digital certificate and it is the intention of the ATO that similar limited support is provided for AUSkey. Work is progressing to this end.
Until this change is made, you can continue to use your ATO digital certificate to access ATO services. If your ATO digital certificate has expired or is expiring soon, please contact the AUSkey helpdesk on 1300 AUSKEY (1300 287 539).
As far as I know I do not have an ATO digital certificate (it is in the process of being phased out) and I do not want to buy a license for an operating system just so that I can declare the pittance I earn. Trying to let the tax office know how much I earn (or don't earn!) is such a pain in the ass. Even more so since they try to simplify the process with a security solution that works only on insecure systems. By insecure I of course mean Windows and Mac OS which run opaque binary files that are controlled by external companies and individuals not the user. The tax office offers supposedly justifiable argument:
"Tax operating systems don't formally support Linux systems ... It's a bit cost-prohibitive [to develop for Linux] when it's such a small component of users," Konti told iTnews, estimating Linux users to comprise only one percent of Australian business users.
This is disappointing as I believe it is possible to build a secure identity processing application independent of the operating system. These systems are often instigated via a government agency that is heavily influenced by Microsoft (or Mac) use/advertising. The technical staff who build the software are invested in keeping their jobs for the least amount of outlay (have you worked for the government? You know what I mean). This means sticking with the Visual Basic or Cocoa that they worked so hard to become a guru in. New staff with different skills are required. It would be refreshing to see a government agency produce a software system that comes from outside this box. Server based software that runs via a ubiquitous web browser or a small open-source platform-agnostic client.
The advantage of the Australian goverment using secure identity processing systems that are operating-system agnostic would far out weigh the cost.
- A flexible system - changes in the future can be easily implemented without waiting for vendors to catch up or follow suit.
- Give users the freedom to choose a secure operating system
Oh well. It may happen one day. When it does you can be sure it will be half-baked. When you work for the government why do it any other way?
- tregeagle's blog
- Login or register to post comments
Sponsored by:
Comments
... and another thing
We already have HTTPS and SSL what do we need some crazy AusKey thing for anyhow?!
If every online business in the world is happy to use this to identify their customers and process credit card payments why not the Australian Government?
... and another...nother thing
If ATO uses proprietary software, particularly the encryprion method it will make a massive attraction for crackers and a major nightmare to update and repair after the damage is detected. I guess they want to make sure it is you and not somebody else paying them!!!