SSS implements multi-factor authentication for users

State-run private sector workers’ pension fund Social Security System (SSS) on Wednesday announced it is now implementing multi-factor authentication schemes during logins to the My.SSS Portal.

With this, SSS advised its members to update their contact information, especially their mobile numbers.

In particular, SSS officer-in-charge Voltaire Agas said the agency took a proactive step by incorporating an authentication process whenever its members log in to their My.SSS account, adding, “It will enhance the security of the SSS online portal.”

Agas said the passcode will be sent to the member’s registered mobile numbers in the SSS records whenever they access their My.SSS accounts. 

He added that outdated or inactive contact information can be a hurdle when logging into the portal.

"Updating your contact info ensures you get the codes to verify your identity when you sign in to your online account." Hence, we are urging our members to update their contact information,” Agas said.

He added that members can update their contact information online or at any SSS branch office.

"If you have an existing mobile number in the SSS database but no longer use that phone number, you can update your details online through your My.SSS account," he said.

Agas said that members without a mobile number in the SSS records can update their contact information. 

They must submit a Member Data Change Request form to any SSS branch office nationwide.

For her part, SSS senior vice president for Information Technology Management Maria Belinda San Jose said that SSS members have two options for multi-factor authentication to access their My.SSS account. 

These are SMS One-Time Password (SMS-OTP) and Time-based One-Time Password (TOTP).

Belinda said by default, members can use the SMS-OTP to log in to their accounts. 

A six-digit passcode will be sent to their SSS-registered mobile every time they log in. It will be used to verify their identity in the My.SSS Portal. 

"Members can use TOTP as their preferred authentication method. They must enter the verification code to the Google Authenticator app to access their My.SSS account," San Jose said.

She added that implementation of these two authentication options for the My.SSS Portal bolsters the security feature of the online portal, mitigating the risks associated with unauthorized access and potential fraud.—LDF, GMA Integrated News