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You're absolutely right. SSN's were only ever meant to be used for identification (as in a username). In the beginning the worst that could happen is that some
by TheSoftwareGuy 7y ago
You're absolutely right.
SSN's were only ever meant to be used for identification (as in a username). In the beginning the worst that could happen is that someone else would file their payroll taxes with your SSN, and make you eligible for more Social Security benefits when you retired. It was never meant to be a password.
- lonelappde 7y agoHow would you receive benefits if not by using SSN as a password? Or to get a job when you may not have authorization to do so (noncitizen not on a worker visa)
- sokoloff 7y agoYou use the SSN (acting as the username [which links to authority to work or claim benefits]) combined with another piece of information that establishes your identity (acting as the password to establish that it's really you and not me who is applying). For employment, the I-9 form is what we fill out as authorized US workers and to document same. https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 https://www.uscis.gov/i-9 (the "paper version" link works best) You'll note that Social Security card is in List C "documents that establish employment authorization" and not in List B "documents that establish identity" nor in List A "documents that establish both identity and employment authorization" I guess you can look at it as a form of off-line multi-factor authentication. You are using the Social Security card as proof of eligibility for the person whose identity you have already established using another factor. In that case, it's the card that acts as the factor, not the number (which if you've ever seen a social security card, it's ridiculous to think that it's in any way secure or even durable).