From this coming Wednesday, 11th November, the Health Informatics Service will roll-out NHS Smartcard Connect - new software to replace the existing NHS system used for NHS Smartcard Authentication.

How will this impact Smartcard users?

  • You will no longer get a PIN prompt when you insert your Smartcard.
  • Instead, you will be prompted to enter your Smartcard PIN when you access any application or system that requires your smartcard.
  • Removing your Smartcard will no longer automatically sign you out of any system. You must manually log out of the application when you have finished. It is vital you do this because if you walk away from a computer without logging out, colleagues can access the system you had open and any actions logged will be against your name.

When will the upgrade happen for me and what do I need to do?

This upgrade will happen the first time you log in with a smartcard from Wednesday. There are screenshots and guidance in the attachment below for you to print and share with colleagues.

Additional Information and Sources:

NHS Smartcard Connect - NHS England Digital

CIS2 Authentication - NHS England Digital

Please contact the Service Desk if you encounter any issues with your upgrade.

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