Infosec Information Security

What is Infosec Information Security?

Infosec, or Information Security, is the practice of protecting information and information systems from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction. For government contractors, implementing robust Infosec measures is crucial for safeguarding sensitive data and complying with stringent regulatory requirements tied to government contracts.

Definition

Information Security encompasses a broad range of technologies, processes, and policies designed to maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information assets. In the context of government contracting, Infosec becomes paramount because contractors often handle Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI), Personally Identifiable Information (PII), and other sensitive data. Failure to adequately protect this information can result in significant legal and financial repercussions, as well as jeopardize future contracting opportunities. Regulations like the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC), and adherence to standards like NIST 800-171 mandate specific Infosec controls for contractors.

Key Points

• Confidentiality: Ensuring that sensitive information is accessible only to authorized individuals or systems. This often involves encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention strategies.
• Integrity: Maintaining the accuracy and completeness of information, preventing unauthorized modification or deletion. This includes using checksums, version control, and intrusion detection systems.
• Availability: Ensuring that authorized users have timely and reliable access to information when needed. This requires robust backup and recovery systems, redundancy, and disaster recovery planning.
• Compliance: Adhering to all applicable government regulations and industry standards related to information security, such as FISMA, CMMC, and NIST guidelines.

Practical Examples

1. Protecting CUI: A contractor working on a Department of Defense project must implement NIST 800-171 controls to protect Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI). This involves encrypting data at rest and in transit, implementing multi-factor authentication, and conducting regular security assessments.
2. Responding to a Data Breach: A contractor experiences a data breach that compromises PII of government employees. The contractor must immediately notify the relevant government agencies, conduct a forensic investigation, and implement corrective actions to prevent future breaches.
3. Achieving CMMC Certification: A small business seeking to bid on a Department of Defense contract must achieve Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) at the required level. This involves undergoing an assessment by a certified third-party assessor and implementing the necessary cybersecurity controls.