A Social Security number (SSN) is a unique identifier assigned to individuals in the United States, primarily for tracking earnings and benefits within the Social Security system. It consists of nine digits and is used by the government to manage social security benefits, tax reporting, and other official purposes. In addition to its role in social security, the SSN is often required for various activities, such as opening bank accounts, applying for loans, and filing taxes. Because of its importance, protecting your SSN is crucial to prevent identity theft and unauthorized access to personal information.