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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shirley
I am a victim of identity theft as well as my minor child. I’ve come to the conclusion that once it happens to you, its all on your shoulders. No one wants to believe or admit their system has been compromised I can not get legal help nowhere or even get a new Ss number for me or my child. Its very frustrating to watch someone else use your info to obtain homes, cars, even employment all using my info or my child and no one cares. The ATG’s office told me to deal with it they can’t help. So while I do appreciate th online services. I do not use them I have had to block my info because they were able to access that as well. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated and I can not afford an attorney and land of Lincoln says they can’t help due to a conflict of intrest
R.F.
Generally, identity theft issues are handled by the Federal Trade Commission. You can find more information on their website: http://www.idtheft.gov or by calling 1-877-IDTHEFT (1-877-438-4338).
Mike
recently i have opened company in Colorado,
and i would like to confirm and verify my company’s SNS number ? is there any website link that i can directly check these information ？ please i need your help
R.F.
Hi Mike. If you’re referring to The Social Security Number Verification Service, please visit our
Business Services Online web page. We hope this helps.
Mechelle
Any one who can answer me if I enter my email address to get the code second identification ,Do I get it back right away or how about if I got it next day what can I do it log out than sign in next day or what can I do ?? I have a trouble that with my bank there sent me new code sign in but I still not get it though next day ..
Mechelle
Very time I sign in my account I have to add my email address and than ssa sent me code from my email and what ? There connect from my email or I have to go enter the code go back enter in my account to check up my account or what ? If the internet slow and I can’t get my code you sent to me what can I do ?
R.F.
Hi Mechelle. 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. Right now, you don’t have to do anything for this new process. 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. If you are experiencing any difficulties with your personal my Social Security account, please call 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” and one of our representatives will assist you. Thanks!
Roby L.
If I have to call or visit my nearest SSA office for verification. Then whats the point of added security?The online recovery process is now asking for a credit card number…Do they think we can tell who they really are? I honestly can’t tell the legitimate from the illegitimate sources anymore. The behavior is identical. God Bless whats left of America.
Lupe H.
You still don’t get it! The 30million that are using online services are getting OLDER!!!. You think you are making them safe by adding more steps for security, but all you are doing is making it necessary to remember one more thing. In order to access the account with more steps, we are having to write it down somewhere then remember where we wrote it down and hope that someone else won’t find it!!! If you go through with this NEW SECURITY PROCEDURE then I will stop using the online service and depend on regular mail and waiting for hours at a Social Security office to speak with someone directly–that is, if I can find someone to drive me there!
Marc
@Lupe Hernandez Yes, you go ahead and stop using Social Security’s online service because they’re taking the ridiculous step of ensuring the security of everyone’s accounts from the very real dangers of hacking and identity theft that are increasing by the millions. That’ll show those jerks, eh? I’m sure they’re quaking in their boots just reading such a terrible threat . . .sheesh.
Marcia
My step-fathers identity was stolen and a fraudulent “my Social Security” account was set up with his info. How can I get a new MY Social Security account for him?
R.F.
Hi Marcia and thanks for trying to help. Your step-father will need to call our toll free number at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. He will need to select the prompt “For help with registering or using the My Social Security account”. 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 the local Social Security office.
Karri
You can definitely see your expertise within the work you write. The world hopes for even more passionate writers like you who are not afraid to mention how they believe. All the time go after your heart.
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Lynn M.
NIST has issued new guidelines for 2FA and they don’t include SMS or email. While this is a step (very small) in the right direction TOTP should have been used.
Donald
What happens if your email address gets changed or is no longer accessible, or your cell phone number gets cancelled? Are you locked out of the website, or is there an escape hatch to get back in?
A.C.
Hello, Donald. If you have difficulty accessing your mySocialSecurity account, please call us at 1-800-772-1213 for assistance. After you hear “Briefly tell me why you are calling,” say “Help Desk” for help with a my Social Security account. Thanks!