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Guide to Using the EPA Account Self-Service Portal

The EPA Account Self-Service Portal simplifies managing user accounts for EPA employees. This guide outlines how to unlock your account, change or update your password, and troubleshoot common issues while ensuring compliance with EPA security protocols.

Accessing the Account Self-Service Portal

Website URL:

https://pss.epa.gov

1. Open Google Chrome.
2. Navigate to the portal: pss.epa.gov.
3. From the homepage, choose:
   • “Unlock My Account” or
   • “Change/Update My Password.”

How to Change/Update Your LAN Password

Before You Begin:

• Ensure you are connected to the EPA Network (use Pulse VPN if working remotely).
• Follow all steps carefully to avoid being disconnected.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Select a Certificate

Choose “Change/Update My Password” from the homepage.

A Select A Certificate prompt will appear.

• Highlight the default certificate and click Certificate Information.

On the General tab, verify that common-auth is listed:

• If common-auth is listed:
  • Select OK to close the window and proceed.
• If common-auth is NOT listed:
  • Go back to the certificate selection box and choose another certificate until you find the correct one.

Enter your PIN in the Windows Security dialogue box and select OK.

2. Enter Your New Password

On the New Password page:

• Enter your new password in the New Password field.
• Re-enter your new password in the Confirm Password field.
• The User ID will auto-populate.

Ensure your new password meets the following criteria:

• Minimum Length: 12 characters.
• Must Contain:
  • At least 1 digit (0-9).
  • At least 1 symbol (e.g., ~, !, @, #, $, %).
  • At least 1 uppercase English letter (A-Z).
  • At least 1 lowercase English letter (a-z).
• Restrictions:
  • Cannot include your username or any part of your name exceeding two characters.
  • Must differ from your last 24 passwords.

If the password fails to meet the criteria, a Constraint Violation message will appear. Adjust your password accordingly.

3. Final Steps for Remote Users (VPN Access)

1. Verify that you are still connected to the EPA VPN.
2. Lock your computer:
   • Press CTRL + ALT + DEL and select Lock.
3. Sign back in using your PIV Card and PIN.

How to Unlock Your Account

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Go to the Account Self-Service Console at pss.epa.gov.
2. Select “Unlock My Account.”
3. Your LAN ID should appear automatically in the User ID field.
4. Click Unlock.
5. If successful, a notification will display: “Account Unlocked.”

Technical Support and Additional Information

Enterprise IT Service Desk (EISD) Contact Information:

• Phone: 866-411-4372 (Option 3).
• Email: eisd@epa.gov.

Local IT Help Desk:

For localized support, contact your Local IT Help Desk.

Key Resources:

• Visit EPA Information Technology for more details.

Important Notes

Password Resets on Active Directory Accounts:

• Administratively resetting a password may lead to loss of access to:
  • Web credentials.
  • Encrypted files.
  • Personal certificates (e.g., signed/encrypted emails).
• Check with your help desk before resetting if you use certificate-based encryption.

Password Compliance:

• Always use a strong password and avoid repeating previous passwords.

VPN Connectivity: