Frauds & Scams

New Online Security

August 3, 2016 • By

Reading Time: 2 Minutes

Last Updated: November 3, 2023

MFAWe’ve added an extra layer of security for our customers when they interact with us online. Now, my Social Security account holders are required to use their cell phone — in addition to their username and password — as another authentication factor during online registration and every sign in. An authentication factor is information used to determine if someone is who they claim to be.

This extra layer of security is called “multifactor authentication” and complies with an executive order requiring federal agencies to provide more secure authentication for their online services. Any agency that provides online access to a customer’s personal information must now use multifactor authentication.

Since my Social Security became available in May 2012, almost 26 million people have created an account. We have always offered multifactor authentication, but only for customers who opted for extra security. For your protection, we now require multifactor authentication for all my Social Security users. To register and sign in, you must now enter a security code that we will send to your cell phone. Your cell phone provider’s text message and data rates may apply.

Our research shows that an overwhelming majority of American adults have cell phones and use them for texting. Because of technical and resource constraints, we are not currently able to offer alternative methods of satisfying this security requirement. However, we may consider adding more options in the future. We appreciate your patience as we work continuously to secure your online information.

We’re committed to using the best technologies and standards available to protect our customers’ data. Multifactor authentication is just one of the ways we’re ensuring the safety and security of the resources entrusted to us. Visit my Social Security to learn more about this helpful suite of online services, including additional details about our latest security measures.

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About the Author

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications

Comments

  1. Al M.

    It doesn’t work. The “my social security” site no longer accepts my last and latest password and locks me out. It has become an obstacle to users. I need a statement but cannot get one. I used and alternate listed method to get it by mail but nothing has come. Security in our modern cyber-piracy reality is vital but passwords, even followed by questions should still be functional.

    • R.F.

      If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  2. Edward R.

    Dear Sir or Madam,

    I have an SSA account I set up in 2017. I am ge3tting
    my monthly checks through my bank. No problem .

    Today, I wanted to to change my address and I can’t get in to see my account.
    I have my user ID and Password but the computer says I have to set up a new account.
    I need some help.

    Sincerely,

    Edward Robert Smith
    903 Homestead Road
    Sea Girt, NJ 08750

    • V.V.

      Hi Edward, thanks for using our blog. Sorry to hear you are having difficulties creating your my Social Security account. For assistance with your account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office.

  3. Kathleen F.

    I am lock out of my login

    • R.F.

      Hello Kathleen, for assistance with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  4. Micheal V.

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  5. Charlotte W.

    Apparently I set up my ssa.gov account using an email address I no longer have. I need to be able to reset it up using my new, and one and only email address I have now. Please advise how I can do this?

    • R.F.

      Hello Charlotte. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  6. David Z.

    Security is important but you system is down. It is not sending the text security code to my cell phone so I can’t log in.

    • R.F.

      Hello David, if you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  7. Henry G.

    I just received my reset code so I could update my online account. Where do I enter this? I want to reset my user name and password but don’t see where to enter only the reset code. Every box asks for username and password.

    Thanks

    • R.F.

      Hello Henry. Please call our dedicated “my Social Security-Hotline, for assistance. To reach this hotline, call 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or contact your local Social Security office directly. Thanks!

  8. Cedrick

    I don’t have access to the email address that mySocialSecurity online account was created…
    sequinn215@gmail.com is my old email Your system will not allowe to creatys new account

    • R.F.

      Hello Cedrick. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

  9. Betty L.

    I cannot get to the page to enter the security code I got in the mail ..help!

    • R.F.

      Hello Betty. If you are unable to create an account or encounter a problem with your my Social Security account, you may:
      •Call us at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778), Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. At the voice prompt, say “helpdesk”; or
      •Contact your local Social Security office. Thanks!

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