FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act)

What is FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act)?

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a United States federal law that defines a comprehensive framework to protect government information, operations, and assets against natural or man-made threats. For government contractors, FISMA compliance is often a mandatory requirement for contracts involving federal information systems or sensitive data.

Definition

FISMA, enacted in 2002 and updated in 2014, requires federal agencies and their contractors to develop, document, and implement organization-wide information security programs. These programs must address security controls for information systems, conduct risk assessments, and provide ongoing monitoring and reporting. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) publishes standards and guidelines that agencies and contractors must follow to meet FISMA requirements. Failure to comply with FISMA can have severe implications, including loss of contracts and legal penalties.

Key Points

• Mandatory Compliance: Contractors handling federal information must comply with FISMA requirements as stipulated in their contracts.
• NIST Standards: NIST Special Publications, such as SP 800-53, provide detailed security controls that contractors often need to implement.
• Risk Management: A thorough risk assessment is critical to identifying vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate security measures.
• Continuous Monitoring: Contractors must continuously monitor their systems for security breaches and report incidents to the relevant federal agency.

Practical Examples

1. Cloud Service Provider: A cloud service provider offering services to a federal agency must demonstrate FISMA compliance to ensure the security of the agency's data stored in the cloud. This often involves achieving a FedRAMP authorization, which is based on FISMA requirements.
2. IT Support Contractor: An IT support contractor managing a federal agency's network must implement security controls, such as multi-factor authentication and intrusion detection systems, to protect against cyber threats and comply with FISMA.
3. Data Analytics Firm: A data analytics firm processing sensitive federal data must adhere to strict data security and privacy requirements, including encryption and access controls, to comply with FISMA and protect the confidentiality of the information.