Logging in to your NS&I account is about to become a little different. This is because we’ll soon be introducing some new and improved security features, including two-factor authentication. In this blog, we'll explain what two-factor authentication is and what this means for you.
Authentication is getting an upgrade
Checking that it's really you is one of the ways we're able to keep your savings safe and secure. We call this authentication. Right now, your NS&I number and password are two ways that we make sure it’s you when you log in to your NS&I account. Unfortunately, scammers are becoming more and more sophisticated, which is why banks are now introducing ways to make authentication better. You'll soon notice some new security features when logging in to your NS&I account. These new security features will use the principles of two-factor authentication.
How two-factor authentication works
Two-factor authentication, also known as 2FA, uses three different types of information (or factors) to make sure it's really you:
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Something you know
A piece of information that only you know, like a password
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Something you have
A device that you own, like your mobile phone
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Something you are
A characteristic unique to you, like your fingerprint or your face
2FA means you need to provide information from at least two out of these three factors.
What to expect
The way you log in to your NS&I account with your NS&I number and password will remain the same for the most part. The main change is that you’ll now receive a one-time passcode to your mobile phone (or an automated phone call to your landline) as an extra security check.
Your one-time passcode will be a unique 6-digit number and, for added security, it will only work for a short time (don't worry, you'll be able to ask for another one if needed).
Simply enter the code you've received on the screen, follow the steps and we’ll then mark the browser or device you're using as trusted. This means you'll only need to repeat these steps if you log in using a different device or browser.
The first time you log in, we'll also ask you to create a 6-digit PIN as an extra piece of security information for use in the future.
What you need to do
So that you can continue to have a seamless experience when logging in to your NS&I account, we need to have your up-to-date phone number. A mobile is best.
This is because you need to be able to receive a one-time passcode by text message (or automated phone call) at least once when you log in.
