The government will introduce two‑factor authentication for the Social Security portal to strengthen security and protection of personal data; previously users logged in with their NISS and a password. The change will require an additional code (for example, sent by SMS or an authenticator app) when accessing the portal. Residents and employers who use the Segurança Social portal should prepare to update contact details and authentication methods when the rollout date is announced.
Social Security portal adds two‑factor login requirement
Monday, 19 January 2026AI summary
Context & Explainers
The Social Security portal (Portal da Segurança Social) is the government website where residents manage benefits, contributions and their social‑security records; until now it could be accessed with a NISS and password. The government is introducing two‑factor authentication to strengthen data protection, so users should expect extra login steps (for example a phone or app code) when accessing their accounts.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) requires two different proofs of identity—typically something you know (password) plus something you have (a code from an app or SMS) —to access an account. Requiring 2FA for accountant subaccounts protects sensitive tax and social-security information from unauthorized access and is already standard on many Portuguese government portals.
