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.
Did you find this Information helpful?
Tags: my Social Security, my Social Security account
See CommentsAbout the Author
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Jim Borland, Assistant Deputy Commissioner, Communications
Comments
Comments are closed.
Donna
This will make it impossible for anyone without a cell phone to use the site. Thanks for making everything more complicated for seniors and the disabled. You know, the ones you’re suppose to be helping.
Katara Z.
You can sign up for a google voice phone number that allows you to send and receive texts via your personal computer. It’s free. https://www.google.com/googlevoice/about.html#tab=sms
Nick P.
You are assuming that all seniors have a cell phone and that all seniors text. You cannot make that assumption. All the financial institutions that I deal with offer an email option. Why won’t that work for the social security website? Without an email option you are leaving no choice but to either add text messaging to my cell service or go back to the old days and visit my local SS branch office.
john d.
AND, what if your one of the many people who, by choice, DO NOT HAVE A CELL PHONE?
This seems like just another to “data mine”.
Lane L.
I do not have a cell phone or even a mobile device. I do NOT want either.
I urge SSA to reconsider this short-sighted requirement to allow email address as an option in addition to cell phone number for multi-factor authentication.
It is so much more convenient to access my online account than it is for me to call SSA through a relay service as the latter is SOOOOO time-consuming.
Lane L.
I’ve contacted the office of my Congressman Gerry Connolly asking them to follow through with whomever at SSA.
“Because of technical and resource constraints, we are not currently able to offer alternative methods of satisfying this security requirement.” Really? SSA really dropped the ball on this one big time.
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.
Susan
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.
TSANGA R.
HI
TGHIS IS THE FIRST OF ALL FEW IDEA OF EVRY LEVEL AND EVRY ONE
GlennB
“BY THE PEOPLE, FOR THE PEOPLE”
since when does OUR govt tell us that we MUST have a cell phone ??? or is this the so-called Obama Phone that everybody could get for free…….Just Say’n
John O.
This is a stupid idea on every level. First of all few seniors trust that the change was implemented based upon research that shows most seniors have cell phones and can receive text messages. Secondly, it is mind boggling for seniors to try and input the amount of their last payment. Frequently, the call is being made because of a change in the amount and the senior has to ponder whether or not the amount includes the medicare premium. By the time this is figured out the system hangs up and tells the senior to call back once he knows the amount. And now the text crap. I am text savvy but I hate the feature and shut it off and my phone if a flip throw away.
Now SSA is investing, another term for wasting tax dollars, in a system which makes it harder for seniors and the disabled to use. The money could be better spent protecting our TOP SECRET documents from bureaucratic idiots. I really don’t give a damn if the Chinese know how much my check was last month.
Fred f.
Pls send my free obummer fone asap.