The Social Security Administration (SSA) is rolling out a new form of identification as an alternative to traditional paper Social Security cards. This digital access could be beneficial if your Social Security card is lost or stolen. For many Americans, the Social Security card is the first form of identification they receive, usually mailed as a paper card a few weeks after birth.
Now, the SSA aims to update this form of ID by enabling secure digital access to Social Security numbers. This digital feature will allow individuals who have forgotten their Social Security number or lost their Social Security cards to retrieve their personal number online through the agency’s website and digital devices. We believe that this modern approach will more efficiently meet the needs of our constituents,” said Social Security Administration Acting Commissioner Lee Dudek.
However, experts are cautiously optimistic about the change. Generally, anything that is a new avenue for accessing your account or interacting with Social Security is a positive development, so long as it is easy and secure,” said Richard Fiesta, Executive Director at the Alliance for Retired Americans. Fiesta noted that there is a risk that some individuals, particularly older or disabled citizens, might have difficulty using the internet or mobile devices.
Digital access simplifies Social Security
According to Eva Velasquez, CEO of the Identity Theft Resource Center, the move towards digital Social Security identification is a promising step. If properly implemented, Digital Social Security numbers could provide more security than paper cards.
However, Velasquez noted that this does not entirely solve the problem of identity misuse, as many Social Security numbers have already been breached in various data breaches. Cliff Steinhauer, Director of Information Security and Engagement at The National Cybersecurity Alliance, suggested that the U.S. may eventually move towards a federated identity system. In this system, a user’s identity could be verified with biometric data like fingerprints and facial recognition linked across multiple systems.
While not yet incorporating biometric authentication, the SSA’s digital initiative is a significant first step toward digital identification. Given the fraud risks, the SSA must ensure its systems are well-protected and include phishing-resistant authentication to ensure only authorized individuals can access accounts. Steinhauer emphasized the importance of vigilance among individuals.
They should verify that any messages they receive, presumably from the SSA, direct them to a legitimate, verified Social Security website to avoid phishing scams. This update is poised to streamline the process of dealing with lost or stolen Social Security cards, providing a more convenient solution for many Americans while raising pertinent concerns about digital security and accessibility.
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