NHS CIS2 Authentication
NHS CIS2 Authentication is the secure authentication service used by health and care professionals in England to access national clinical information systems.
What is NHS CIS2 Authentication?
NHS CIS2 Authentication is a secure authentication service used by health and care professionals in England to access national clinical information systems.
It opens up new authentication options as alternatives to smartcards, including iPads, security keys, Windows Hello and Microsoft Authenticator.
How it works
Benefits
Access anywhere
Log in just by showing your face or fingerprints
No need to worry about losing your smartcard. No need to remember different logins. No need for HSCN.
Cryptographic login
Unique credentials that never leave the user’s device and are never stored on a server.
This security model eliminates the risks of phishing, all forms of password theft and replay attacks.
Persistent support
Platinum service - supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
99.99% availability - see our track record.
- Paramedics now have access to patient information whilst en route and at an incident as they can use their biometrics on iPads to access NCRS.
- Dentists are referring patients into the NHS using security keys to access eRS.
- Pharmacists can use Windows Hello on tablets and laptops, supporting them to consult with patients where they're needed and freeing them from being tethered to a desk.
- Social care staff can now view patients' medical records using multi-factor authentication with their mobile phones.
Authenticator options
Users can authenticate using 6 different methods.
A great alternative to smartcards that requires no software installation, certificate renewal or large hardware to carry around.
Log in to applications just by showing your face or fingerprints.
Security keys are typically small physical USB devices that require no software installation or certificate renewal. They're small and convenient enough to be attached to a set of keys or a lanyard.
Simply enter a PIN and physically touch the security key to log in.
The NHS CIS2 iPad app is a great option for users who work in environments that require ultimate mobility. There's no need for a smartcard or reader.
Log in to applications just by showing your face or fingerprints.
Microsoft Authenticator is currently being used to access National Care Records Service, MESH and e-Referral Service by organisations across health and care settings.
Authenticate by entering your email address, password and a 6-digit security code from the Microsoft Authenticator app on your phone.
Smartcards are credit card-sized ID cards. Users authenticate by inserting their smartcard into a reader and entering their PIN.
Smartcards that authenticate via the internet do not need an HSCN connection, just a regular internet connection and the latest version of NHS Credential Management.
Standard smartcards need an HSCN connection, NHS Credential Management and NHS Identity Agent installed.
Services using NHS CIS2 Authentication
Over 40 applications and 530,000 users are benefitting from using NHS CIS2 Authentication. Find out which websites and apps currently use NHS CIS2 Authentication.
You can also see our performance data.
Onboarding
The idea is simple:
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We provide a secure, reliable authentication service and a standards based (OIDC, WebAuthn, FIDO2), simple API to integrate with.
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You integrate NHS CIS2 Authentication into your website or app and get it approved by us.
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Health and care professionals have a convenient way to authenticate and don't have to remember different logins for different systems.
On average, onboarding can take about 3 months, but we've found that this can be made much shorter if you're able to give it more resources and focus.
Start your onboarding journey today
There are only two parts to onboarding successfully:
- Integrate NHS CIS2 Authentication into your software.
- Get your software approved to go live.
Support and troubleshooting
You can get support by going to the NHS Digital Customer Portal or emailing [email protected].
Latest updates
To read about recent new features and what's coming up, go to our release hub.
Our vision is evolving as we learn
There are lots of features we are working on and considering for the future and we'd love to hear what you think.
To vote on these features, comment or suggest new ideas, visit our feedback portal.
Last edited: 2 December 2024 11:35 am