MANILA, Philippines — To strengthen the security of its online portal My.SSS, state-owned pension fund Social Security System will be installing a multi-factor authentication system. This is part of SSS’s efforts to secure members’ accounts against fraudulent activity and unauthorized access.
Enhanced Security
Officer-in-charge president and CEO of the Social Security System Voltaire Agas said that the MFA scheme is an advance preventive plan to add strength to the security of the My.SSS platform. More importantly, multi-factor authentication (MFA) assures the better security protection of members’ information and accounts by adding a layer of verification besides passwords.
This layered technique enhances account security by using two distinct types of authentication. This makes it much more challenging for would-be attackers to gain access to the accounts in question, compared to systems that only require one password.
Two Main MFA Options
To provide easy access, there are now two authentication options for SSS members :
- Most use the default method, which is called SMS One-Time Password, or OTP. When a person logs onto their My.SSS, it sends an automatically generated six-digit code to the registered mobile number of the member with the membership service. In order to continue with the log-in process, they should key in that code. This ensures entry to the portal is available only to the account owner.
- The Time-Based One-Time Password, more commonly abbreviated as TOTP, is a system that offers the user with a one-time password dependent on the time, created by an authenticator app. An extra dynamic layer of security is therefore brought upon the app as it provides a code that goes through a constant change over a period. The app also offers members flexibility.
| Authentication Method | Details |
|---|---|
| SMS-OTP | A six-digit code sent to the registered mobile number. |
| TOTP | Code generated via an authenticator app, changes every few seconds. |
Updating Contact Information
Members should keep their mobile phone numbers up to date for the SMS-OTP facility to operate. Because inactive or out-of-date phone numbers may prevent successful logins, SSS members are also highly encouraged to examine and update the information in their records immediately.
How to Update
Members who want to update their cellphone numbers have two options:
- You can make the necessary changes to your cellphone number by logging in to the My.SSS site and updating the settings for your profile.
- Visiting any SSS branch and submitting a Member Data Change Request form in order to change contact information is the in-person method of updating.
Maintaining seamless access to My.SSS services is something that may be accomplished by ensuring that contact information is accurate.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Implementing MFA within the My.SSS portal offers a number of significant benefits:
- Improved account security reduces the risks of illegal access along with the threat of fraud.
- Improved Member Trust: Members are safer when they know their accounts are protected.
- Flexibility and Convenience: There would be an allowance for different user preferences as the facility is being made available for a choice between SMS-OTP and TOTP, besides making log-in safer and smooth.
Observed Against the improved security, Voltaire Agas said, “This step enhances the safety of our online services, giving members peace of mind.”
Experience and Expectations
The multi-factor authentication program is yet another initiative by SSS to upgrade its services and security in terms of its digital front. A more secure logging process for the members is going to be implemented, which might take a bit more time but will be significantly fortified in protecting their accounts. SSS advises its members to familiarize themselves with their available MFA options and update their contact information to make the transition seamlessly.
These new mechanisms, like MFA, SSS prove its intention in protecting the information of its members by using modern security procedures. The additional measures by SSS signify a safer and more reliable online setting for members, thus enhancing trust and confidence.
FAQs
1. Why is My.SSS implementing a stricter verification process?
The more stringent procedure seeks to improve security, guard against fraud in user accounts, and guarantee that only authorized users can access private data and services on the My.SSS platform.
2. What changes are being made to the verification process?
In order to enhance account security, My.SSS will introduce extra identity verification procedures, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), more thorough personal information checks, and updated security topics.
3. Who will be affected by these changes?
Because customers must adhere to the new verification processes when logging into their accounts or completing transactions on the platform, all My.SSS users will be impacted.