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NHS.net Connect (formerly NHS Mail) has announced a significant update to its account verification process, replacing the traditional three security questions with a new Account Secret system. This change aims to enhance security while offering a more user-friendly experience for all NHS users.

Historically, users were required to set up and remember answers to three security questions for identity verification. The new Account Secret replaces this method with a single, memorable piece of information. When contacting the helpdesk for tasks like password resets, users will now verify their identity by providing specific characters from their Account Secret.

This new system is designed to be more secure and easier to manage, ensuring that users can access services without the hassle of recalling multiple security question answers.

The rollout is already underway, and users are strongly encouraged to set up their Account Secret as soon as possible. After a specified deadline, any user who has not completed this setup will lose access to critical Office 365 services, such as Outlook, Teams, and OneDrive, until the process is completed.

Setting up your Account Secret is straightforward and can be done in just a few minutes. A detailed user guide is available here: Setting a User Account Secret – NHSmail Support.

To avoid disruptions to essential services, all NHS users are advised to complete their Account Secret setup promptly. For more information or assistance with the setup, please contact your IT support team.

Secure your account today to ensure uninterrupted access to your critical tools and services.