Just another example of the IDIOTS the government has working for them. We don't have a phone only cell phones here but my Mom no way would she have cell phone. Can you imagine how much money was spent on this? This idea should have been laughed out the door at the very beginning.
Social Security retreats from cellphone-based online security
Originally published August 18, 2016 at 8:22 pm
After an outcry from older Americans, as well as a letter from two U.S. senators, the agency backed off its cellphone-based code requirement for access to online “mySocialSecurity” accounts.
By ANN CARRNS
The New York Times
Never mind — at least, for now.
That’s what the Social Security Administration told those with online “mySocialSecurity” accounts, two weeks after announcing that they would be required to have cellphones to receive security-code texts to log on to the accounts.
Social Security recipients can use the online accounts to manage their benefits, such as selecting a bank account for automatic deposit. Workers who don’t yet receive benefits can use the accounts to obtain estimates of future benefits and to check their earnings statements to make sure the estimates are based on correct information.
After an outcry from older Americans, as well as a letter from two U.S. senators, the agency backed off the cellphone-based code requirement.
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“Our aggressive implementation inconvenienced or restricted access to some of our account holders,” said a statement emailed by an agency spokesman, Mark Hinkle. “We are listening to the public’s concerns and are responding by temporarily rolling back this mandate.”
The change means users can log on to their online “mySocialSecurity” accounts as before, with just a username and password. If they want, they can choose the text option as an added security feature, as has been the case since the accounts were first offered in 2012.
The agency made text codes mandatory July 30, saying it was doing so to comply with an executive order requiring federal agencies to upgrade their online security.
But many people, especially older ones, complained that the requirement was unreasonable; fewer older Americans use cellphones, and some said they found texting difficult.
On Aug. 12, Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, chairwoman of the Senate’s Special Committee on Aging, and Sen. Claire McCaskill, D-Mo., the ranking minority member, wrote to the Social Security Administration to express concern.
On Aug. 13, the Social Security Administration removed the texting requirement and said it planned to introduce alternative authentication options, in addition to texting, within the next six months.
Q&A
Here are some questions and answers about the online accounts:
Q: Should I use the optional text-code feature?
A: The Social Security Administration’s website “highly” recommends that users who have a text-capable cellphone sign up for the text-verification option. Paul Stephens, director of policy and advocacy at the Privacy Rights Clearinghouse, says other methods of multifactor authentication — like smartphone apps that create one-time codes — offer superior protection, but that the text option at least provides some benefit. “Certainly, set it up,” he said. “A little extra security is better than no extra security.”
Q: What if I don’t want to manage my Social Security benefits online?
A: Even if you don’t expect to be a regular user of a mySocialSecurity account, there may be a benefit to establishing one. Creating an account can help prevent someone from fraudulently creating one with stolen information, because the system allows creation of just one account per Social Security number, says Brian Krebs, a security blogger.
So if you already have an account, a criminal who obtained personal information, like your Social Security number, couldn’t create one to try to steal your benefit payments.
Q: Can I block all electronic access to my Social Security data?
A: Yes. The Social Security Administration website notes that victims of identity theft or those who have suffered domestic violence may want to block electronic access to their Social Security record by following steps on the website.
Doing so prevents anyone — including you — from gaining access to your record, both online and through the agency’s automated telephone system.
Did you know 22 Veterans a day commit suicide???
Your government drugs them up with prescription pill after pill when Cannabis is what helps them.
Government has blood on their hands!
Watch & educate yourself then pass it on.
AI
