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 am unable to create an account online as I don't have access to the internet. What else can I do to get information about Social Security?

assistant: Are you not able to create an account online at a family member who has internet?

user: No I am not able to do this?

user: Once I have opened an account online how can I detect that the emails I receive are from Social Security?

assistant: I can give you examples of websites pretending to direct you to Social Security that will help you detect fraudulent sites.

user: I would appreciate that but are there other resources available that I can use to learn more about phishing?

assistant: Yes you can do a Google search about phishing and learn more there or you can go to OnGuard Online which is a very informative site about phishing.

user: Is there a quick way that I will be able to detect that emails are from Social Security?

assistant: Yes there is. Most emails from Social Security will come from a .gov email address.

user: How can I be sure that the online identity verification process is secure?

assistant: We re now using a new identity verification process that is more secure. You will be required to sign in with a username and password.