To deactivate a SAM profile for security reasons, users should first verify account status on the “My SAM” dashboard and back up essential documents including UEI records. Organizations should maintain accurate point of contact information and guarantee at least two approved SAM Administrators exist before proceeding. Strong, unique passwords should be implemented during the deactivation process to prevent unauthorized access. Following proper deactivation protocols helps mitigate common security threats such as phishing, insider risks, and database attacks.
Security Threats Targeting SAM User Profiles
While organizations continue to strengthen their cybersecurity infrastructure, SAM user profiles remain vulnerable to various sophisticated attack vectors.
Phishing tactics continue to be the most prevalent method attackers use to compromise credentials, with emails designed to trick users into revealing their login information. These attacks exploit human vulnerabilities rather than technical weaknesses. Scammers often create cloned websites that mimic legitimate SAM interfaces to steal login credentials from unsuspecting users.
Despite robust technical defenses, humans remain security’s weakest link through successful phishing campaigns targeting SAM credentials.
Insider threats pose another significant risk to SAM profile security. Employees with legitimate access can intentionally or accidentally expose sensitive information, weakening overall security posture. Research shows that 85% of breaches involved a human insider, highlighting the critical importance of internal security controls.
Additionally, threat actors actively target SAM databases to extract password hashes, enabling offline brute-force attacks against user credentials. Modern attackers frequently use pass-the-hash attacks to gain unauthorized network access without needing the actual plaintext passwords.
The financial impact of these breaches is substantial, with organizations facing average costs of $4.24 million per incident.
This figure continues to rise as remote work expands and cloud integration increases attack surfaces.
Step-by-Step Guide to Secure Profile Deactivation
Properly deactivating a SAM.gov profile requires careful preparation and methodical execution to prevent security vulnerabilities. Users should first verify their account status by checking the “My SAM” dashboard and backing up critical documents, including UEI records and POC details. Maintaining accurate point of contact information is crucial to ensuring proper communication during the deactivation process. It is recommended to have at least two approved SAM Administrators for your company to prevent unauthorized access. Implementing strong, unique passwords is essential to protect your SAM account from unauthorized access during the deactivation process.
To deactivate a profile:
- Log into SAM.gov with valid credentials
- Navigate to “Account Settings” within the user profile
- Select “Deactivate Account” under maintenance settings
- Complete multi-factor authentication verification
- Save the confirmation email for compliance records
Entity Administrators should take additional steps by revoking system roles and designating replacement personnel before completing the deactivation.
After 24 hours, users should attempt login to confirm successful deactivation and monitor for unexpected access attempts to guarantee complete security closure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Reactivate My Profile After Permanent Deactivation?
Permanent deactivation in SAM.gov offers limited clarity on profile restoration. While the reactivation process may be possible in some cases, users should contact SAM.gov support directly for guidance on their specific situation.
Will Deactivating My Profile Affect Existing Contract Awards?
Deactivation typically doesn’t void existing contract awards, though it may impact contract management processes. Contractors should prioritize profile security while maintaining compliance to guarantee uninterrupted performance on current government engagements.
How Quickly Does Profile Deactivation Take Effect?
Profile deactivation timeframe varies by context. Manual deactivation by Entity Administrators takes effect immediately. However, user profiles remain active indefinitely unless manually deactivated, while registrations expire automatically after 365 days for profile security purposes.
Can I Transfer My Roles to Another User Before Deactivating?
Users cannot directly transfer their roles to another user. The role transfer process requires administrator intervention, as all user permissions must be individually reassigned by entity administrators through the SAM.gov system.
Does Profile Deactivation Remove Historical Contract Data From SAM.Gov?
Profile deactivation does not remove historical contract data from SAM.gov. The system maintains contract data retention regardless of profile status changes. Profile security measures affect access, but historical records remain intact for compliance and auditing purposes.