The National Registration Identity Card (NRIC) and NRIC number serve different purposes. The NRIC number is a unique string of numbers assigned to each individual. The NRIC is the actual card, in physical or digital form (on the SingPass app) – we call it "NRIC" rather than "NRIC card", because the "C" stands for "card." The difference between these two lies in their functions: your NRIC number tells you apart from others, while your NRIC proves that you are who you claim to be. For instance, you may provide your NRIC number for pre-registration to visit an office building. However, to prove that you are who you claim to be, you will have to present your NRIC card, which contains security features like your thumbprint and photograph that make it difficult to forge. Just like our mobile numbers, our NRIC numbers may be known to others, since we sometimes have to share them with others. Hence, it is unsafe for organisations to use NRIC numbers as passwords, or to prove that a person is who he claims to be (authenticate the person) for the purpose of granting access to services and information meant only for that person. The Singapore Government has issued an advisory for organisations to stop using NRIC numbers as passwords or to authenticate individuals. More info: https://www.mddi.gov.sg/newsroom/stopping-the-use-of-nric-numbers-as-passwords-in-the-private-sector