Consequently, the crucial responsibility of securing this information from unauthorized access, misuse, or breaches becomes paramount. To ensure federal agencies are effectively taking the necessary steps to protect this sensitive data, specific laws and guidelines provide essential direction.
These frameworks establish standardized security controls, outline information risk management protocols, and ensure accountability, laying the foundation for a secure federal information infrastructure. So, what exactly are these guidelines and frameworks?
In this article, we'll discuss what security controls are, what guidance identifies federal information security controls, and the different aspects associated with them.
What are Federal Information Security Controls?
Federal information security controls are a set of standards, guidelines, procedures, and policies designed to protect information and information systems within U.S. federal agencies. These measures safeguard national security, as federal information systems contain confidential, classified, or sensitive data.
Additionally, these guidelines are crucial for protecting citizens' data and promoting public interest especially since federal agencies routinely access personally identifiable information (PII). PII includes data capable of identifying an individual, such as social security numbers, medical records, tax details, and other financial information.
These information security controls also protect the operational integrity of federal agencies. A breach in federal systems could not only disrupt essential government services but also trigger economic instability and erode public trust in the government's ability to defend the nation's digital infrastructure.
To ensure agencies follow these federal information security controls, the landmark legislation, FISMA, was enacted. Let's understand what it is.
What is FISMA?
Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a US legislation enacted in 2002 as a part of E-Government Act, in the aftermath of 9/11 attacks, that laid the foundation for safeguarding government information systems. The law was amended in 2014 to address the problem of emerging cyber threats.
FISMA mandates that all federal agencies implement uniform security policies and controls to safeguard sensitive information across various systems and networks. It ensures that agencies strive to achieve the three security objectives:
- Confidentiality: Ensuring that access to information is limited to authorized users and preventing unauthorized disclosure.
- Integrity: Protecting data from unauthorized changes or deletion and ensuring that information is genuine and its source is indisputable.
- Availability: Providing uninterrupted and efficient access to data for legitimate operations management and decision-making needs.
Understanding FISMA Compliance
FISMA compliance is mandatory for all U.S. federal agencies. Additionally, any contractors, third-party vendors, or private organizations that handle, process, or store federal information, whether through cloud services, cybersecurity support, or IT infrastructure, are also required to follow FISMA guidelines.
In short, if your organization touches federal information in any capacity, FISMA compliance is required by law. The responsibility of monitoring and ensuring FISMA compliance and implementation rests with certain government agencies such as NIST and OMB.
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is the federal agency responsible for developing the standards, guidelines, and best practices that help government agencies secure their systems, applications, and networks. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) holds the ultimate authority for overseeing FISMA compliance across all federal agencies.
What Guidance Identifies Federal Information Security Controls?
Below are some of the most widely recognized and relied-upon resources that outline how federal agencies should implement, manage, and assess their information security controls.
1. NIST SP 800-53
NIST offers a comprehensive set of security controls for federal information systems, which cover critical areas such as access control, incident response, and risk management.
NIST Special Publication 800-53 serves as the foundation of federal cybersecurity. From access control and authentication to incident management and system integrity, NIST SP 800-53 outlines all the essential components of a well-structured federal security architecture in its list of controls. It also lays the foundation for many other federal security guidelines, such as NIST 800-171 and FedRAMP.
2. NIST SP 800-171
While NIST SP 800-53 focuses on federal systems, 800-171 is meant for non-federal organizations, like contractors, that handle controlled unclassified information (CUI). It standardizes the definition of CUI across federal agencies. CUI refers to any data that is private and sensitive but not classified according to U.S. federal law. That means CUI may include personally identifiable information related to financial or health records.
3. NIST SP 800-37
Also known as NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), this compliance framework focuses on the risk management strategies of federal organizations. It offers a structured approach for managing risks to information assets of an organization in a standardized way. The framework also offers a cybersecurity roadmap to provide real-time risk management on information systems with a decision tree supporting privacy and security.
4. CMMC
Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) is a framework developed by U.S. Department of Defense (DoD) and is all about defense contractors and supply chain security. It deals with the implementation of cybersecurity controls and safeguards across the entire DoD supply chain.
The aim of CMMC is to protect the sensitive data and unclassified information available to DoD contractors, subcontractors, and service providers. The framework introduces multiple maturity levels, from basic hygiene to advanced security practices, to protect the defense industrial base.
5. FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) offers a uniform approach to the security assessment, authorization, and monitoring of cloud products and services. If your organization engages in providing cloud services to the US government, you must obtain FedRAMP compliance.
This framework ensures that cloud service providers comply with stringent security protocols before receiving approval for federal use. It streamlines cloud adoption while keeping information systems secure.
6. OMB Circular A-130
OMB’s circular A-130 provides a standard policy for the planning, governance, acquisition, budgeting, and management of federal information resources. The circular's main intent is to help organizations modernize their IT system security using more automated and efficient tools.
It emphasizes a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, which requires agencies to establish robust information security and privacy programs, conduct privacy impact assessments, and implement continuous monitoring.
Final Thoughts
Federal information security controls are a collection of rules, standards, and practices created to protect data and information systems used by government agencies. To effectively mitigate risks and defend against the ever-evolving landscape of cyber threats, federal organizations must adhere to established security controls such as NIST 800-53, OMB Circular A-130, CMMC, and more.
Non-conformance doesn't just leave systems vulnerable, it can result in severe consequences such as data breaches, hefty financial losses, legal liabilities, and lasting damage to public trust and organizational reputation.
Looking to automate necessary security compliances? Effivity's ISMS software might be just what you need. With a blend of adaptability, scalability, and precision, it helps you seamlessly meet compliance requirements and industry benchmarks, strengthening your organization's proactive information security strategies.
