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Use a long, unique password for your patient portal, enable the strongest multifactor authentication (MFA) method the provider supports, and sign in only through a channel you have verified. Portal options vary by provider, so check its official setup and recovery instructions rather than assuming every portal offers the same protections.
Set up a safer patient portal login
- Open the official portal. Go to it from your provider’s official website or app. If an email or text prompted you to sign in, verify the request through a provider website or phone number you already trust before entering credentials. The Office of the National Coordinator for Health Information Technology (ONC) advises checking a source before sharing personal or medical information; see its consumer guidance.
- Use a long, unique password. Never reuse your email password or a password from another account. A password manager with a generator can help create and store a different password for the portal. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) says verifiers should permit password managers and autofill, and notes that managers with generators can support stronger password choices.
- Turn on MFA if the portal offers it. Look in the account’s security or sign-in settings, then follow the provider’s instructions. Prefer a passkey or compatible security key if offered. If the portal only offers codes or approval prompts, enabling one still adds a login step.
- Check recovery details. Make sure the email address and phone number used for account recovery are current. Follow the provider’s instructions for recovery codes and keep them separate from your portal password.
- Secure the device and session. Use a screen lock or passcode on the phone or computer, and sign out after using the portal on a shared device. ONC describes access controls and workstation security as safeguards against unauthorized access; see its security guidance.
Choose a password that is difficult to guess
NIST Special Publication 800-63B Revision 4, published in 2025, sets a minimum length of 15 characters for passwords used as a single authentication factor. It permits a minimum of eight characters when a password is used only as part of MFA. Those are requirements for digital identity verifiers and credential service providers; they do not establish that every patient portal follows the standard. Use a password that meets the portal’s rules and is as long as it allows.
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Current NIST guidance does not call for routine password changes or arbitrary recipes requiring a particular mix of uppercase letters, numbers, and symbols. Change the password promptly if you have reason to believe it was exposed or compromised. A password manager can generate a long, unique password without relying on a memorable phrase you use elsewhere.
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Pick the strongest MFA option the portal supports
MFA requires an additional factor beyond the password, but options are not equally resistant to phishing. NIST says manually entered one-time codes are not phishing-resistant; cryptographic authentication can be. A security key or passkey may provide that stronger protection when the portal and your device support the relevant sign-in method.
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If the portal offers more than one option, weigh these differences:
- Phishing resistance: A compatible cryptographic method, such as a passkey or security key, can resist phishing better than a code that you type into a sign-in page.
- Compatibility: Confirm the exact method works with your provider’s portal and your device before relying on it or purchasing an accessory.
- Recovery: Check how you can regain access if you lose your phone, key, or other MFA device.
- Ease of use and accessibility: Choose a supported option you can use reliably, including when your usual device is unavailable.
A security key is optional, not a prerequisite for securing a portal. Do not buy one until your provider confirms that its portal supports a compatible key-based sign-in. The provider’s official instructions are the authority for its enrollment and recovery process.
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- Requires 3 "AAA" batteries (included)
- Unit auto-locks for 30 minutes after 5 consecutive incorrect PINs
Protect downloaded health records, too
Signing in securely protects access to the portal, but it does not automatically protect every copy of a record you download. ONC explains that HIPAA generally applies to health information held by most providers, health plans, and organizations acting for them. When you share information with a service outside HIPAA coverage, those rules may not apply to that service. Secure downloaded files with a password or encryption, and review the privacy terms of any service where you store or share them. ONC’s consumer guidance and portal FAQ explain these limits.
What to do if your password may be exposed
- Go to the portal using the provider’s official website or app and change the password.
- Review recent account activity if the portal provides that feature.
- Contact the provider through a phone number or website you verify independently, especially if you cannot sign in or see activity you do not recognize.
- Update the password anywhere else you reused it, starting with your email account. Use a different password for each service.
NIST calls for a password change when there is evidence that the password authenticator has been compromised; it does not recommend changing passwords on a fixed schedule without such evidence.
Quick Recap
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- DEVICE & OS COMPATIBILITY: Compatible with Windows, macOS, ChromeOS, and Linux. Works seamlessly with supported services like Google and Microsoft accounts, and major password managers. See the full compatibility list at "Works With YubiKey"
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- Yubico Authenticator App - Fingerprint enrollment, passkey management and PIN configuration available via the app app - Upgrade to YubiKey 5 Series to generate one-time-passwords (OTP) via Yubico Authenticator and for advanced compatibility (OATH, PIV)
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