Protecting Your Federal Benefits from Quantum Threats

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Protecting Your Federal Benefits from Quantum Threats

Source: Service Those Who Serve

Quantum computing is advancing rapidly, bringing both innovation and security risks. While it can potentially solve complex problems, it also threatens encryption methods that protect sensitive financial and personal data. Federal retirees need to understand these risks to safeguard their benefits, savings, and digital security.

Quantum-Proof Your Finances: Protecting Your TSP and Personal Data

The security systems that protect your financial accounts, including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), rely on encryption methods that could become vulnerable as quantum computing advances. Strengthening your online security now can help mitigate potential threats.

Here’s what you can do:

 

Should Retirees Worry About DOGE Looking Into the Social Security Administration?

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Should Retirees Worry About DOGE Looking Into the Social Security Administration? 

Recent developments involving the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), led by Elon Musk, have raised concerns about potential impacts on the Social Security Administration (SSA) and the services it provides to retirees.

DOGE’s Involvement with the SSA

Reports indicate that DOGE has embedded at least ten operatives within the SSA, granting them access to sensitive records. These individuals, primarily young engineers with ties to Musk’s businesses, often lack prior government experience, raising concerns about potential data breaches and system failures.

Additionally, a leaked internal memo reveals a proposal to reduce phone-based identity verification services at the SSA. This change could exacerbate existing delays and operational challenges, particularly affecting applicants who struggle with online verification processes. 

Legal Challenges and Data Privacy Concerns

Labor unions and retirees have filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, seeking to limit DOGE’s access to SSA data. A federal judge is currently considering blocking DOGE from accessing sensitive Social Security data, citing potential violations of privacy laws and information security risks. 

Impact on SSA Operations

The SSA is experiencing staff reductions due to buyout packages promoted by DOGE, leading to anticipated longer wait times for services. For example, the Social Security office in Schenectady is reducing its staff from 26 to 19 members, which is expected to result in longer wait times for phone and in-person services. 

Risk of Scams

The ongoing changes and uncertainties within the SSA have heightened anxiety among beneficiaries, creating opportunities for scammers. There is an increased risk of fraudulent activities targeting retirees, such as impersonation scams aiming to extract personal information or money by invoking fear of benefit interruptions. The SSA advises vigilance and emphasizes that it will never demand immediate payments, threaten arrests, or request gift cards or cryptocurrency. 

Conclusion

Given these developments, retirees should stay informed about changes within the SSA and remain vigilant against potential scams. It’s advisable to regularly monitor official SSA communications and be cautious of unsolicited requests for personal information or payments.

Sources:

WIRED

Axios

AP News

Times Union

MarketWatch

 

 

 

 

Getting Paid Not to Work: Federal Probationary Workers Are Being Reinstated But Put on Paid Leave

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Getting Paid Not to Work: Federal Probationary Workers Are Being Reinstated But Put on Paid Leave

Days after a Maryland federal judge ruled that terminated probationary workers must be temporarily reinstated, multiple federal agencies have told their staffers that they are complying with the decision – but placing the employees on paid administrative leave.

Workers at the Internal Revenue Service, Environmental Protection Agency, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Food and Drug Administration, among other agencies, received emails that said they are being reinstated and placed on administrative leave – essentially being paid not to work.

Click on link to read more from CNN. https://cnn.it/4izPzip

They Lost Their Federal Jobs And Now Can’t Get Jobless Benefits: ‘You’re Left Watching Your Bank Account Slowly Bleed’

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They Lost Their Federal Jobs And Now Can’t Get Jobless Benefits: ‘You’re Left Watching Your Bank Account Slowly Bleed’

Fired federal workers are having trouble getting unemployment benefits — and some experts fear that could spell trouble for the broader economy.

Fired federal workers are facing delays as they try to access unemployment benefits. That could be a problem as “DOGE”-fueled job cuts continue — and not just for former federal workers.

Jim Frederick is getting an up-close look at government bureaucracy that he never wanted to see.

It’s been more than a month since he filed for jobless benefits after resigning from a position in the Biden administration in January. The benefits haven’t started yet.

Frederick has supplied paystubs, wage statements and other documents to Washington, D.C.’s unemployment office. Click on link to read more from MarketWatch. https://www.marketwatch.com/story/they-lost-their-federal-jobs-and-now-cant-get-jobless-benefits-youre-left-watching-your-bank-account-slowly-bleed-6d1ab9e7

The Trump Administration is Taking Steps to Reinstate Tens of Thousands of Fired Workers 

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The Trump Administration is Taking Steps to Reinstate Tens of Thousands of Fired Workers 

Recent legal actions have mandated the reinstatement of thousands of federal workers who were previously terminated by the Trump administration. In February 2025, the administration initiated mass layoffs targeting probationary federal employees across various agencies, including the Departments of Defense, Treasury, Energy, Interior, Agriculture, and Veterans Affairs. These terminations were part of an effort to reduce the federal workforce by bypassing traditional civil service protections.

However, this approach faced significant legal challenges. On March 13, 2025, two federal judges ordered the immediate reinstatement of the affected employees, deeming the mass firings unlawful. The judges criticized the administration’s actions as a ‘sham’ and emphasized that such terminations violated established legal protections for federal workers.

These court orders require the administration to offer reinstatement to the terminated employees, effectively reversing the previous mass layoffs. The situation underscores the ongoing legal and political debates surrounding federal workforce management and the extent of executive authority in implementing such personnel changes.

Source: apnews.com