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Smartcard software for authentication via the internet

Information about smartcard software that enables authentication via the internet, without the need for a Health and Social Care Network (HSCN) connection.

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What is a smartcard?

Smartcards are credit card-sized ID cards that relies on a software package to work. Users authenticate by inserting their smartcard into a reader and entering a passcode.

Benefits

Benefits for users
  • Users can share desktops/laptops and authenticate with their own individual smartcard
  • Enables secure authentication to national clinical information systems over the internet
Benefits to organisations providing IT Support
  • Lots of health and care professionals already have a smartcard
  • No additional hardware is needed as it uses the existing cards and readers

Software requirements

Existing Oberthur (series 8) and PIV (series 9) smartcards can authenticate without needing an HSCN connection using the CIS2 Smartcard Connect authentication software.

CIS2 Smartcard Connect is the replacement for existing and deprecating NHS England Identity Agent software. It comes bundled with a new version of NHS Credential Management and allows existing series 8 and series 9 smartcards to authenticate over both HSCN and non-HSCN internet connections.

It will become the default client for all smartcard authentications from February 2027, in line with the deprecation and retirement of the existing CIS1 authentication software.

Organisations and users that currently access systems supported by CIS2 authentication can use CIS2 Smartcard Connect now.

If your organisation is operating a system that requires an HSCN connection, there is a separate software available. For more information please email [email protected]

Installing CIS2 Smartcard Connect

CIS2 Smartcard Connect comes bundled as part of a new version of NHS Credential Management. Download this version here.

The package includes:

  • an updated version of NHS Credential Management
  • the Smartcard Connect authentication client
  • an installation guide

Please note, before running the installer you must remove existing NHS Identity Agent and NHS Credential Management software.

Network configuration and support is available in the installation guide.

Registering users

Each user must have their own smartcard.

Smartcards are managed by a Registration Authority (RA). They are responsible for issuing and printing smartcards.

Smartcard certificates must be renewed every 3 years.

Support

You can get support by going to the National Service Desk Customer Portal or emailing [email protected]

Last edited: 3 July 2025 4:14 pm