Understanding FISMA: The Federal Information Security Management Act

What is FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act)? 

Detailed Description

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a United States legislation part of the Electronic Government Act of 2002.

It aims to enhance the security of data systems used by federal agencies. FISMA requires these agencies to develop, document, and implement an information security and protection program. 

The Act was signed into law as part of efforts to integrate comprehensive security controls over information resources that support federal operations and assets.

FISMA has set forth a framework for managing information security that includes annual reviews of information security programs to keep risks at manageable levels. A key element of FISMA is its mandate for federal agencies to implement a program to provide security for their information and information systems, including those provided or managed by another agency, contractor, or other source.

This involves:

• Risk categorization
• Security controls
• Risk assessment
• System security planning
• Certification and accreditation
• Continuous monitoring

FISMA has been updated by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014, which amended the original act to address evolving cybersecurity threats.

Examples

Case Study: Department of Homeland Security (DHS)

The DHS implemented a FISMA-compliant program that involved an agency-wide information security program. This program included:

• Annual security training for all employees
• Monthly patching of vulnerabilities across thousands of systems
• Regular security audits and penetration testing conducted by an independent third party

This comprehensive approach helped DHS significantly lower its risk profile and improve its compliance with FISMA requirements.

Security Recommendations

To comply with FISMA, federal agencies and organizations working with federal agencies should consider the following security measures and best practices:

• Risk Assessment: Regularly perform and update risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and threats, and to determine the impact of potential security breaches.
• Security Controls: Implement security controls tailored to the risk level of the information system. NIST SP 800-53 provides a catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems.
• Continuous Monitoring: Develop a strategy for continuous monitoring of information security that includes regular reports and updates on system security status.
• Employee Training: Conduct regular training sessions for all employees on cybersecurity principles and practices, as well as specific training on the security features of their information systems.
• Incident Response: Develop and maintain an incident response plan to handle security breaches and mitigate their impacts efficiently.

References

For further reading and more detailed information on FISMA, the following resources are invaluable:

• NIST Special Publication 800-53 - Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations
• Department of Homeland Security: Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) - Provides an overview and updates on FISMA.
• GAO Report on FISMA Implementation - A comprehensive analysis of how federal agencies implement FISMA.

These resources provide a deeper insight into the requirements and implementation strategies under FISMA, helping organizations to comply effectively with its mandates.

Frequently Asked Questions