Federal Information Security Management Act Overview

1. Introduction

The Federal Information Security Management Act represents the foundation of U.S. federal government information security standards and practices. Originally enacted in 2002 and significantly updated in 2014 (becoming the Federal Information Security Modernization Act), FISMA establishes comprehensive requirements for protecting federal information and information systems. The Act mandates a risk-based approach to information security across all federal agencies.

FISMA differs from other privacy regulations by focusing specifically on government systems and the contractors that support them. It establishes a framework that emphasizes continuous monitoring, standardized security controls, and regular assessment of security measures. The 2014 modernization strengthened the Department of Homeland Security’s role in federal cybersecurity and updated the framework to address modern cyber threats.

2. Scope and Application

FISMA applies to all federal agencies and organizations that handle federal information or operate systems on behalf of the federal government.

Entity Type	Coverage	Requirements
Federal Agencies	All executive branch departments and agencies	Full FISMA compliance required
State Organizations	When handling federal information	Compliance for federal information systems
Government Contractors	Operating federal systems or handling federal data	Specific contractual security requirements

Protected Information Types

Category	Description	Protection Requirements
Federal Information	– Government records – Agency data – Program information – Administrative data	Standard FISMA controls
Sensitive Information	– National security information – Law enforcement data – Critical infrastructure data – Personal identifiers	Enhanced security controls
Classified Information	– Top Secret – Secret – Confidential	Special handling requirements

3. Core Requirements

FISMA establishes specific security requirements that agencies must implement to protect federal information and systems.

Requirement Area	Key Components	Practical Implementation
Risk Management	Risk assessment System categorization Control selection Continuous monitoring	Like having a systematic way to identify and address security risks
Security Controls	Access controls Audit capabilities Configuration management Incident response	Like having multiple layers of security measures
Assessment and Authorization	Security assessments System authorization Ongoing monitoring Periodic reviews	Like getting regular security check-ups and approvals

4. Implementation Framework

FISMA implementation follows the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), providing a structured approach to security management.

RMF Step	Activities	Documentation Required
Categorize	Identify information types Determine impact levels Document decisions	System Categorization Report
Select	Choose security controls Document baseline Apply overlays	Security Control Selection Document
Implement	Deploy controls Document procedures Train personnel	Implementation Documentation

5. Reporting and Oversight

FISMA requires regular reporting on security status and incidents to provide oversight and accountability. Agencies must report to multiple entities including Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

Reporting Type	Frequency	Content Requirements
Annual Reports	Yearly	Security program status Risk assessments Control effectiveness Security incidents
Incident Reports	Within specified timeframes	Incident details Impact assessment Response actions Remediation plans

FISMA compliance is overseen by agency Inspectors General and the OMB, with technical guidance from NIST. Non-compliance can result in reduced system authorizations, budget impacts, and increased oversight. The focus is on continuous improvement and risk management rather than punitive measures.