Accessing NHSmail from outside the UK – Extra security measures being added

February 9, 2023

Colleagues who access their NHSmail accounts from outside the United Kingdom from tomorrow (Friday 10 February) will require Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to be enabled on their accounts to be able to login.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is an additional way of checking that it is really you when you log in to your account.

In addition to your email address and password, you will need to set up a second form of authentication, such as an authentication app on your mobile phone, text message, phone call, FIDO2 token or NHS Smartcard. This second layer of security is designed to prevent anyone but you from accessing your account, even if they know your password.

Users who do not have multi-factor authentication enabled on their accounts and who do not have a secure method of connecting to NHS will find their access blocked.

User guidance on how to self-enrol for MFA can be found on the following NHSmail support page or by contacting the IT service desk on ext. 4050 or live chat.