Care Identity Service (CIS) smartcard authentication
With the Credential Management Application
We have developed the ability to enable current smartcards users to access internet facing services. Smartcards and access control are secure measures by which clinical and personal information is accessed by only those that have a valid reason to do so. In the future users will be able to use smartcards without a HSCN (N3) connection.
*Within our future roadmap, there is an opportunity for development of authentication with smartcard outside of HSCN.
Without the Credential Management Application
In situations where the NHS CIS2 hub cannot be installed, we have developed an interim enhancement which allows smartcard authentication to OIDC applications without using the NHS CIS2 hub.
Essentials |
Benefits |
NHS Smartcard |
Secure authentication to new internet facing services, for example the Summary Care Record application (SCRa) private beta |
Role based access assigned |
Role based access assigned |
NHS CIS2 agent |
Approved method of authentication where there are delays installing the Credential Management Application |
Chrome Smartcard plugin for Google Chrome or Microsoft Edge v79 or above.
Java 8 or Active X for IE11
|
Single solution for any organisation whose applications are not connected via the Credential Management Application – smartcards can be used to access existing smartcard applications as well as new OIDC applications |
|
Applications can migrate to OIDC whilst users are still on old technology |
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Integrates with the existing smartcard solution |
The NHS CIS2 authentication service will use information sent by the browser to determine the most appropriate authentication mechanism. It will use either the Chrome Smartcard plugin, an ActiveX Control or a Java applet to access the smartcard software and authenticate the user.
Due to Internet Explorer not using the same high level of identity security protocols, we do not encourage using it as part of NHS CIS2 solutions.
Last edited: 13 January 2022 10:29 am