SIS (Sensitive Information Systems)

What is SIS (Sensitive Information Systems)?

Sensitive Information Systems (SIS) are information technology systems operated by or for the U.S. Government that require special protection due to the nature of the information they process, store, or transmit. Protecting SIS is critical to national security and the integrity of government operations. Government contractors who work with these systems must understand and adhere to stringent security protocols.

Definition

SIS refers to any system where the loss, misuse, unauthorized access to, or modification of information could adversely affect national security, privacy, or other critical interests. The term is used broadly across the federal government and is often defined more specifically within individual agency policies. SIS designations trigger specific security requirements outlined in federal laws, regulations, and standards, such as the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Special Publications. These requirements aim to minimize vulnerabilities and protect sensitive government data from unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or destruction. For government contractors, understanding the SIS designation of a system they are supporting is crucial for proper security implementation and compliance.

Key Points

• Identification is Key: Agencies are responsible for identifying and categorizing their information systems based on the sensitivity of the information they handle. Contractors must work with the agency to fully understand the categorization level of the systems they support.
• Security Controls: SIS require the implementation of specific security controls, as outlined in NIST Special Publication 800-53, "Security and Privacy Controls for Information Systems and Organizations." The selection of controls depends on the system's categorization.
• Compliance and Audits: Contractors supporting SIS are often subject to audits and compliance checks to ensure adherence to security requirements. This may include independent assessments, penetration testing, and vulnerability scanning.
• Training and Awareness: All personnel with access to SIS must receive adequate security training and awareness to understand their responsibilities and to recognize and report potential security incidents.

Practical Examples

1. Healthcare Data Systems: A contractor developing a system for the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that stores veterans' medical records must adhere to stringent security requirements because this system is an SIS handling protected health information (PHI).
2. Financial Management Systems: A contractor supporting a financial management system for the Department of the Treasury must implement robust security controls to protect sensitive financial data from unauthorized access and fraud.
3. National Security Systems: Contractors working on systems that process classified information for the Department of Defense (DoD) must meet the highest security standards, including obtaining security clearances and implementing strict access controls.