If you suspect that someone has gained unauthorized access to your SAM (System for Award Management) account, it’s crucial to take immediate action to secure your account and report the incident. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Change Your Password:
- Log in to your SAM account as soon as possible.
- Change your password to a strong and unique one that you haven’t used before. Ensure it includes a combination of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and special characters.
- Enable Two-Factor Authentication (2FA):
- If you haven’t already, enable 2FA for your SAM account. This provides an extra layer of security by requiring a second verification step.
- Review Recent Activity:
- Examine your SAM account activity logs for any suspicious or unauthorized changes. Look for unfamiliar IP addresses, changes to your profile, or any actions you didn’t initiate.
- Take Screenshots:
- If you discover any unauthorized changes or suspicious activity, take screenshots or make notes of the details. This information may be useful for reporting the incident.
- Secure Your Email Account:
- If your email account is linked to your SAM account, ensure that it is secure. Change your email password and enable 2FA if you haven’t already.
- Report the Incident to SAM:
- Contact SAM’s helpdesk or customer support immediately to report the unauthorized access. Provide them with a detailed description of the incident, including any evidence you’ve gathered.
- Update Contact Information:
- Review and update your contact information in your SAM account, including your email address and phone number. This ensures that you receive important notifications about your account.
- Monitor Your Accounts:
- Keep a close eye on all your accounts, both within and outside of SAM, for any unusual activity. Unauthorized access to one account can sometimes lead to further breaches.
- Notify Relevant Authorities:
- If you suspect that the unauthorized access may involve criminal activity, consider reporting it to your local law enforcement or relevant authorities.
- Enhance Security Practices:
- After resolving the incident, review and enhance your organization’s security practices. Educate your staff about cybersecurity, implement stronger access controls, and regularly update passwords.
- Stay Informed:
- Stay informed about any updates or changes to SAM’s security policies and best practices for maintaining the security of your SAM account.
Remember that timely action is essential when dealing with unauthorized access. Reporting the incident to SAM and taking steps to secure your account can help minimize potential damage and protect your organization’s sensitive information.
Need Help?
Contact the FPR Help Desk through the following methods:
- Phone: 1-866-717-5267 (toll-free)
- Email: help@federalprocessingregistry.com
Ready to Renew Your SAM?
Take the First Step by Clicking Below:
https://federalprocessingregistry.com/register-online/