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'm trying to learn more about the online identification process and I want to know how to protect myself from phishing. Are there any resources I can use to get informed about it?

assistant: Do you want to know how to avoid security problems?

user: Yes, that's correct.

assistant: good advice is to always keep your browser up to date.

user: And about phishing?

assistant: You can get more information about phishing by going to OnGuard Online.

user: What other tips can you give me to avoid phishing email?

assistant: You must know that Social Security sends emails from no-reply@ssa.gov, subscription.service@subscriptions.ssa.gov, and ThankYou@ssa.gov. If you get an email from any email address that does not end in .gov you should be careful before opening attachments or clicking any links in the email.

user: Are you guys doing anything to protect our privacy and information?

assistant: yes, we are using a new identity verification process.

user: Please, give me more tips about security when dealing with suspicious emails.

assistant: Always verify the legitimacy of the information given in the email, before clicking anything in the email. Verify if the phone numbers, website or any other information present in the mail are valid by searching that information in a search engine. Also, do not respond to any email requesting personal information.