The Online Identity Verification Process 
One of our most important responsibilities is protecting your investment and personal information. Social Security takes this responsibility very seriously , and we have a robust cybersecurity program in place to help us succeed. Our security process follows federal guidelines that includes additional security measures so we can be sure that you are who you say you are when you conduct online business with us. To protect the privacy of your identity and your information , we are using a new identity verification process. The new process : Requires you to sign in with a username and password ; Offers extra security ; and Complies with federal laws, regulations, and guidelines. In addition to your username and password , you can choose either your cell phone or email address as your second identification method when you sign in to or register for my Social Security. Two forms of identification when signing in will help better protect your account from unauthorized use and potential identity fraud. Each time you sign in to your account , you will complete two steps : Enter your username and password. Enter the security code we send by text message or email , depending on your choice cell phone provider text message and data rates may apply. If you choose to receive your one - time security code through email , you can add NO-REPLY@ssa.gov to your contact list to make sure it does not go into your spam or junk folder. For additional tips to help you stay safe and secure online please visit the Federal Trade Commission's OnGuard Online. 

If You Cannot Or Do Not Want To Create An Account Online 
If you are unable or unwilling to create an online account , you may still create an account in person by visiting your local Social Security office. 

If You Want Extra Security 
We offer you the choice to add extra security when you create an online account. In the past , we told you Social Security would never ask for your credit car

user: I need some information about the Online ID Verification Process.

assistant: Protecting your personal information is our responsibility and it's a responsibility that we do not take lightly. To ensure that we succeed, we have put a cybersecurity program in place.

assistant: Would you like to hear more about how we protect your identity and information?

user: No, thank you.

user: Why do I need two forms of ID when signing into my account?

assistant: Having two forms of identification helps us better protect your account from unauthorized users and identity theft.

user: What do I do each time I sign in?

assistant: Each time you sign in, you will be required to enter your username and password.

user: What can I do to protect myself from phishing?

assistant: One very important thing you can do is to always make sure your web browser is up to date.

user: Do you have any additional information about phishing?

assistant: Yes. To learn more about phishing, you can go to OnGuard online.

user: What are these internet phishing scams I'm hearing about?

assistant: A phishing scheme is a technique used by internet scam artists to trick you into giving personal information or clicking on a malicious link or attachment through your email.