Family benefits in France: new step needed to access online account
Heightened security measure in place following data loss from system hack
Users will also need to put in a six-digit code to log onto the site
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Greater security measures are now required for users to log onto the website of France’s family benefits service, the Caisses allocations familiales (Caf).
The change came into force on December 10 and requires account-holders to put in a six-digit code sent to their email address to log in, everytime they want to log in.
It comes after the website was hacked earlier this year, leading to a data loss.
Assurance Maladie, most French banks and some other websites use a similar system, which is known as two-factor authentication.
Read more: French benefits site urges password change after hack
How does it work?
To access the site now, users add their log-in information (social security number and password) on the website as usual.
After clicking ‘se connecter’ (connect) they need to click ‘Envoyer le code’ (send code) and a six-digit code will be sent to the email address linked to the Caf account.
This code is only valid for 15 minutes after being sent.
Once you have put the code into the Caf website, you will be logged on.
Alternatively, if you are using the smartphone app, you can skip the the two-factor authentication process using facial or fingerprint recognition on your device.
Other safety tips to reduce the risk of hackers stealing your data from the website include:
changing your password regularly and not using the same password to access all your personal accounts
never sharing personal data when you are not sure who you are talking to – Caf agents will never ask you for the code mentioned above
never click on links, images or attachments if you are not sure of their origin, particularly in emails or text messages
always modify your profile from your ‘My Account’ area on the CAF website
Read more: Bank call scams: why more people are being caught out in France
