Social Security Administration Stepping Back From Text-Sent Password To Access One's Social Security Account -- August 30, 2016

Why I love to blog: some weeks ago I mentioned that the Social Security Administration was going to require a text-sent password to access one's social security account. Because I don't get text messages on my old-fashioned clam shell phone, I was out of luck. I would not be able to access my social security account on-line.

Well, today, I see the SSA has had a change of heart. From an e-mail received just moments ago:

On July 30, 2016, we began requiring you to sign into your my Social Security account using a one-time code sent via text message. We implemented this new layer of security, known as “multifactor authentication,” in compliance with a Presidential executive order to improve the security of consumer financial transactions.  SSA implemented the improvements aggressively because we have a fundamental responsibility to protect the public’s personal information.

However, multifactor authentication inconvenienced or restricted access to some of our account holders. We’re listening to your concerns and are responding by temporarily rolling back this mandate.

As before July 30, you can now access your secure account using only your username and password. We highly recommend the extra security text message option, but it is not required. We’re developing an alternative authentication option, besides text messaging, that we’ll begin implementing within the next six months.

Obviously SSA employees, working inside the beltway with high wages and state-of-the-art mobile devices are entirely out of touch with the average American. They must have gotten an earful from taxpayers, senators, and representatives.