Adding Additional Security to Protect What’s Important to You
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
Social Security continues to evaluate and improve how we protect what’s important to you. We take this responsibility seriously, and we have a robust cyber-security program in place to help protect the personal information you entrust to us. Adding additional security measures to safeguard your personal information — but making them easy to use — is a vital part of keeping you safe and secure.
Beginning June 10, 2017, we will use a second method to check the identification of my Social Security account holders when they register or sign in. This is in addition to the first layer of security, a username and password. Right now, you don’t have to do anything for this new process. But you may want to sign in to your account to make sure you remember your username and password. Then, when you sign in on or after June 10, you will be able to choose either your cell phone or your email address as your second identification method. Using two ways to identify you when you log on will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud.
Since my Social Security became available in May 2012, more than 30 million people have created an account. We have always offered this second layer of protection, but only for customers who opted to use it.
Last summer, we added a second way for us to check your identity when you registered or signed in to my Social Security . However, at that time, we only allowed the use of a cell phone as your second identification method. We listened to your concerns, and beginning on June 10, you can choose either your cell phone or your email address as the second way for us to identify you. Since an email address is already required to use my Social Security , everyone can continue to benefit from the features my Social Security provides.
We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. This new security advancement is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety of the resources entrusted to us. If you plan to select email as your second method, you can ensure that the one-time security code email does not go into your spam or junk folder by adding NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list.
In addition to these security enhancements, we’ll also upgrade the look and feel of my Social Security , in an effort to create an enhanced customer experience. The my Social Security portal will automatically adjust to the size of the screen and kind of device you are using – such as a tablet, smart phone, or computer. No matter what type of device you choose, you will have full, easy-to-use access to your personal my Social Security account.
Our new my Social Security design puts you in control — whether you’re using a computer, smart phone, or tablet.
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Tags: fraud, my Social Security, my Social Security account, Social Security benefits
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Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
Jim Borland, Acting Deputy Commissioner for Communications
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Phil
Social Security is doing the best with the means they have. Remember, it is the largest networked computer system in the world. Don’t knock it, support it. Don’t be an idiot. An idiot is one who tears down what others have built….
Toph
Some things are better when they are torn down #BerlinWall.
And that’s not the definition of an idiot, your definition fits better as the definition of recalcitrant.
Jerry
Instead of complaining about the system how can we fix the system? We know SSN was “not to be use” for ID at all but since it’s been gong on from the start, how do we really make it better and more fool proof? How do we prove the person reporting the SSN is the “real” person and not some fake? Only way I know is to issue photo ID’s of the original person with some form of bio metrics added. Make a personal appearance to a SS Office to get it with supporting documentation. A real pain but maybe the only true way to fix the system. It’s our money, your money we are protecting here so don’t complain too much if this does happen. It’s figuring out which bit of personal information you have that you can’t get off the Internet or without using your SSN to get? Almost impossible isn’t it? With social media as it is, we do have a big problem. So anything SS comes up with is better than nothing at all.
Tom
Maybe we should blame FDR for not anticipating computers, networks, social media etc. in 1936 when this system was set up. Instead of living in fear and anger, looking for new ways to portray ourselves as victims of non-existent government plots or conspiracies we need to understand we cannot have instant convenience and security at the same time. There must be tradeoffs to be safer. And nothing is completely foolproof.
Marc
Tom, you are the most rational and sensible poster I have ever encountered on these blog comment boards. Thank you so much for your voice of sanity in this swamp of complainers and blamers. Your observation is spot on.
R-Mccalla
I agree totally Its just more Trash in Trash out programing wasted time .. Just go online and accomplish exactly what you want right? Ha give me a brake. This is a site where they are in control of you.. period dont be fooled !!
M. J.
What if you don’t have a cell phone?
R.F.
You will be able to choose either your cell phone or your email address as your second identification method.
Lesly F.
I am an favorsafety and anything who’s on good control for the people.I thing is ok
Factchecker
It seems many people want to complain about the system but it does work, albetit not perfectly. I ask the question, if you are not happy with the system then what are you doing to help make a difference?
brian
whole USA is one red tape backward society—its empire is on the wane too
Barry B.
Security? What a joke! You still allow Medicare to use our social security numbers as the patient ID. My original card has printed on it in red ink “Not to be used for identification”.
R.F.
We understand your concern Barry. Under current law, Medicare providers need to know your Social Security number in order to provide you the benefits to which you are entitled. Generally, they only have to see and verify your Medicare card at the time they provide initial medical services. The Medicare program, including Medicare cards, is managed by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Here are some suggestions to keep your personal information safe while using your Medicare card. Thanks.
azure
Given how poorly most health care providers handle confidential information (and HIPAA gives access to all that information to any insurers, etc), and how HIPAA includes no real penalties for violating HIPAA, and the feds are not investigating complaints in a timely manner and there is, of course, no citizens’ suit provision so people can enforce it (and have their attorney fee paid), then it doesn’t help for SSA to say, well, they only need the information once. Their computers system are not secure.
William S.
For some reason my password is refused by MY SS. It has happened three times over the past year. I have blocked my SS number to prevent any further online use.
I dont understand the password changes.
R.F.
Hi William, we are sorry you are having issues setting up your account. If you cannot create an account, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to read information on why you may be unable to. Also, we have established a dedicated MySocialSecurity Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213, and select the prompt “For help with registering or using the MySocialSecurity website”. The help desk will be available to callers between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). Sometimes, it might be best to visit your local Social Security office for further assistance. Thanks.
Pagona M.
How do you enroll to My Social Security account
R.F.
Click here to “Sign In or Create an Account”. Keep in mind that you need a U.S. address to register for a my Social Security account. The “my Social Security” authentication system requires address verification as one of the essential criteria for issuing an account. People with APO/FPO/DPO addresses can create an account overseas, but our system does not support registration and account creation for users with a foreign address yet. You do not need a U.S. address to access our website or to file online for benefits. We remind our customers living abroad, to contact the nearest U.S. embassy in their area, for any assistance related to Social Security benefits. Thanks!
ST3 T.
I still can not access the registration link
R.F.
If you cannot create an account, or cannot access your account, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions to read information on why you may be unable to. Also, we have established a dedicated My Social Security Hotline. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213, and select the prompt “For help with registering or using the My Social Security website”. The help desk will be available to callers between 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 a.m. (Eastern Time). We hope this helps.
Dan
How is this added security???
Getting someones personal information is often through their Email address and/or cell phone. If they go through either of these access points, they already have the info.