The Social Security Administration (SSA) has recently introduced a big change to the way things are done with regard to accessing one’s Social Security Number (SSN). Beneficiaries will now be able to access their SSN digitally through my Social Security whenever needed through any mobile device. This move comes as no real surprise when considering how rapidly the world at large has been digitizing itself over the past few years. The unfortunate pitfall of digitization, however, is that the digitized data now becomes somewhat more susceptible to hacking than that of a physical paper file.
With regards to this new system of accessing SSNs, many beneficiaries are showing great concern for the safety of their data were they to make use of the SSA’s new feature. As such, Grada3 has received exclusive communication directly from the SSA after we reached out to address these concerns.
Digital access to your Social Security Number: here’s what to know
In pursuit of enhancing the experience for my Social Security account holders, the SSA is now introducing a secure digital access to users’ Social Security Numbers (SSNs). The official SSA post regarding this describes the new and innovative feature as being “designed to provide the American public with a modernized, secure, and accessible alternative to the traditional physical SSN card.”
This new digital feature will allow account holders to display their SSN whenever needed, conveniently from their mobile devices. This new feature is aimed at providing a convenient solution to those who have misplaced their SSN cards or forgotten their SSN. According to the SSA, this way of accessing SSNs digitally “streamlines the process for those who need their SSN but also reinforces our dedication to protecting sensitive information. By providing a secure digital option, SSA aims to reduce the risk of lost or stolen cards and enhance the overall user experience.”
What are people saying?
Drawing from the comments made on the SSA’s original post, it appears that many account holders have reservations regarding this new feature. Some feel that this opens new avenues for data theft, whilst others are concerned that the physical cards will no longer be in circulation. The implications of DOGE also seems to be a point of contention for some.
“I LOVE Social Security and have always trusted the program 100%. But, since Elon Musk and his DOGE team have infiltrated, I feel uneasy and don’t trust anything initiated by Musk. I deeply resent Musk for calling it a ponzi scheme, when nothing could be further from the truth,” one user wrote.
Another account holder stated, “This is fine for those that use a “mobile device” such as a smart phone or android, but for those of us who don’t use a either of those two devices (I still use a “flip phone”), we/me still need to assure I have control of my SSN card.”
“This is next to worthless compared to the fact that Elon Musk’s ‘DOGE’ team downloaded our personal information and social security numbers when they occupied the Social Security Administration headquarters. I fear that that information will either end up on the dark web or be monetized by one or more of Musk’s businesses,” yet another user shared.
It is quite evident that the shared sentiment surrounding this new feature is a fear for the safety of personal data, particular in relation to DOGE and Elon Musk’s involvement.
What is the SSA saying?
Subsequently, the GRADA3 team reached out to the SSA for further comment regarding the safety of using this new feature and whether or not the traditional SSN cards would be taken out of circulation.
The SSA responded with the following:
“The digital SSN will be available behind the my Social Security account. my Social Security provides secure access to the public and employs robust fraud and security technology to protect against threats. SSA secures all of its applications consistent with the requirements of the National Institute of Standards and Technology.
We are not eliminating the traditional method of obtaining a Social Security number card.”
As such, whether the account holders opt for using the new feature or not will ultimately be a matter of personal preference. However, if they do make use of it, they can rest assured that the SSA has confirmed that it has taken the necessary fraud prevention precautions.