Starting April 16, if you log into OurNH from home or anywhere else offsite, you’ll have to enter an additional passcode; this is called two-factor authentication. Two-factor authentication helps keep information safe from hackers.
That extra passcode will be sent to your mobile phone, either as a text message or through an app – it’s your choice. It can also be sent to your personal email.
In May, the same two-factor authentication will also start for iSite – you’ll need that extra passcode if accessing it from offsite.
OurNH is the second NH service to be protected from hackers trying to steal your log-in information. Many services will need this added level of security. Two-factor authentication is a provincial directive aimed at protecting NH staff and patients.
Make sure you’re ready for two-factor authentication. Choose one of the 3 options to receive your passcode:
- By text message (*new*)
- In an email to your personal account (*new*)
- Through the Google Authenticator app.
If you've already enrolled with Two-Factor Authentication using the Google Authenticator mobile app but have not had the chance to view our new and easier options, we invite you to log into your NH Trusted Access profile and change your default delivery method to either text or email message.
Commonly asked questions:
What is Northern Health Trusted Access*?
Northern Health Trusted Access is a website where you can choose how you want to receive your authentication codes (i.e., via text, email, or app). If you’re not already set up, you should go there and set your preferences. NOTE: If you’re already using NH’s VPN system, your RSA passcode won’t work for accessing your webmail externally. They’re two separate systems.
Why do we need two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is a provincial directive aimed at protecting NH staff and patients. Hackers constantly try to steal Northern Health staff login information. Two-Factor Authentication will help prevent this. Stolen personal health information can be worth 10 times that of credit card information.
What is two-factor authentication?
Two-factor authentication is a way to confirm your identity using a combination of two different things:
1. Something you know (your NH username and password)
2. Something you have (a passcode that’s sent to your mobile phone)
You need to use two-factor authentication only if you’re not inside the NH system – e.g., if you’re at home or on the road. If you’re inside an NH facility and connected to an NH network, there’s no need for it.
Northern Health has implemented two-factor authentication for off-site access to Northern Health webmail and OurNH. Two-factor authentication service will need to be configured for each user by going to the Northern Health Trusted Access website.
*If you can’t access the webpage https://trusted.northernhealth.ca, or you are off-site and need to set up two-factor authentication, call the Northern Health ITS Service Desk at 250-565-2784 or 1-888-558-4357. The Trusted Access website can only be reached on a computer that is connected on our internal network; this is for security reasons.