New Online Security
Reading Time: 2 MinutesLast Updated: November 3, 2023
We’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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Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account
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Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
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S T.
This would be funny on April 1, but otherwise it is simply unbelievable. Millennials rarely want to access mySocialSecurity. People who get SSI benefits are, almost by definition, too poor to have text-capable phones, and many over 60 who do have cell phones are likely to have flip phones without texting. As others have pointed out, banks manage to verify account holders without relying on text messages.
ben
Like most of you on social security I cannot text on my cell phone. If I get a 20% COLA raise I’ll get texting.
Dik F.
Just another government good deal. This was probably thought up by some person still showing their lobotomy scar. Shows a large lack of thinking ability. Author of this new rule thought it up so as to feel important.
Al
The SSA should consider sending the code to your landline, which can then be entered to access your account. This method is not new technology and has been available for quite a few years on credit cards issued by some of the major banks. Works well and is more secure than using a cell phone, which can be readily disposable. This was really not thought through before implementing, it’s especially a burden on the Elderly population that SS was designed for.
Jerry
Dear Social Security Admin: You read the complaints. Most are against cell phone texts. So why not just use a one or two extra security questions? Simpler, easier to use and we have control over the question and the answer. You could use a “Pin code” just as easy. What nitwit came up with the cell phone solution, a 25 year old right out of college?
AYISSI J.
If you were providing the phone, that would be great. I have a bank account that has this multilevel security, but has choices like which phone, text, e-mail etc. A majority of people from 12-50 in age might have cell phones, but those on a fixed income, as has been represented here do not have such cell phones. They are an unnecessary expense on a limited income. I don’t go out much as I am on disability and have not driven in two years, so I don’t feel a need for one. My husband has one with him, given by his employer, but I don’t have use of it either. What happens when he changes employers and we have no cell phones. I would venture to say that people over 50, those on disability income, and those on SS income are all limited and on budgets that do not afford cell phones, or at least ones that are text enabled or plans that have texting. You need to get real with your “research”. I would venture to say you have made a false assumption rather than having done actual research about who has cell phones that are text enabled.
Cynthia
I have a basic cell phone, not a smart phone. I do not text or receive texts. I debated long and hard about whether to open a mySocialSecurity account at all but went ahead and got one. Now this policy makes my account useless. Security can be a good thing, but there are other ways to provide authentication. Someone didn’t think think about the consequences of this policy.
Phebe E.
I agree with all the other comments I’ve read here. I have an antique cell for emergencies only… no texting! I do not give the number to anyone, even my doctors. But I have received a few texts via email.
Jack
Why can you not text to my email address? This does not seem to serve the population that would have a my social security online account. None of my other government and private online accounts have this requirement. Does not seem well thought out.
R.F.
Hi Jack. Making this functionality mandatory allows us to comply with the executive order and use a reliable method of multifactor authentication (MFA) for our almost 26 million current account holders. For more information about our MFA process, check out https://www.ssa.gov/myaccount/MoreInformationAboutMFA.html. Thanks!
doug
Vote for Trump to eliminate this kind of government harassment. These type of procedures are living proof that someone is getting paid off! All your government is corrupt at the top!
Judy
This is the MOST stupid idea I have ever heard! I found this out yesterday when i tried to log in to my account. I called the phone number on the page and a lady answered and I asked about it. I do not have a cell phone, can not afford one and do not know how to text. I logged on the the
White House this AM and sent an e mail and I am going to email the President and the First Lady also. I tried calling the local SS office in my City and you have to have the 5 digit extension of who you want to talk with and no way to talk to a person. This is bull shit.
John O.
Oh, an email to the White House, that will do the trick. Let us know when you get tired of wasting your time.