Social Security is in trouble after the news broke that millions of personal data of American beneficiaries had ended up on a server exposed without any protection. The fear began to spread, logical, right? Millions of names, banking data and personal data exposed just like that, as if the SSA did not have one of the most important databases in the country…
The Administration quickly came out to deny it, saying that there had been no leak and that there had not even been any unauthorized access. Even so, this rumor has served for them to make changes to strengthen security, and we are going to tell you what these changes are.
No leak
Frank Bisignano (the commissioner) assured in an official letter that, after a thorough review, no data from the Numident system had been hacked, leaked or shared.
What are the changes?
Identity verification: From now on, accessing a Social Security account will require multi-factor authentication. We are talking about fingerprint, facial recognition or security codes that reinforce the usual password. The idea is that only the holder can log in.
Mandatory use of the eCBSV system: Companies that need to verify Social Security numbers will no longer be able to do it in any way. From now on, they must use the centralized electronic system eCBSV.
Only authorized personnel will have access to sensitive data, and there will also be real-time monitoring systems to detect any unusual activity before it becomes a serious problem.
Why so much concern?
The administration insists that there was no leak, but the concern is there. If that data were to fall into the wrong hands, scammers could use it for anything, request fake loans, open accounts or even impersonate beneficiaries.
And the SSA helps millions of families every month, any suspicion that the security of these families is at risk could affect the entire system…
In addition, it would not be surprising because the SSA is still operating with very old technology, and that could make it more vulnerable…
What each citizen can do
There are some tips you can also do as an SSA user:
- Open a “my Social Security” account to control your data directly.
- Enable two-step verification, because a simple extra code can block an access attempt.
- Check the history frequently to detect any unusual movement.
- Ignore suspicious emails, because Social Security will never ask for data or payments by email!!
Who benefits from the changes
With these changes, everyone wins: both beneficiaries (their data is safer), companies (more reliable verification system) and any citizen!
So, although this episode turned out to be just a scare, the reality is that the SSA needs to modernize to maintain the trust of its citizens and not make things easy for cybercriminals (who are much smarter than anyone just to do harm…). The Administration cannot fall behind in security!!
So that is why they have responded with a security plan, so that both the agency and the citizens keep their guard up to avoid any complicated episode.
Key Tips:
There was no data leak but:
- They have implemented new multi-factor authentication measures.
- CBSV mandatory for companies
- Constant monitoring to detect unusual or suspicious activity.
They want to avoid:
- Risk of identity theft if the data is mismanaged.
- Loss of trust in the SSA
- Modernize the Administration’s technology
What you can do to protect yourself:
- Enable two-step authentication.
- Check your credit report regularly.
- Never share data by email: the SSA will not ask you for information by email