What is required of federal agencies under the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA)?

Under the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 (FISMA), federal agencies are required to create, document, and implement a comprehensive security program. This involves establishing risk management frameworks that address various aspects of information security, ensuring compliance with federal standards, and continuously monitoring the security posture of their information systems. The goal is to protect government information, operations, and assets against risks and vulnerabilities.

While conducting audits, hiring security personnel, and limiting access are important components of a broader security strategy, they do not encapsulate the specific requirement set forth by FISMA, which focuses on the formal development and implementation of a security program. The emphasis on a documented security program ensures that federal agencies maintain a systematic approach to security that can be reviewed, updated, and improved over time. This proactive stance is essential for addressing emerging security challenges and vulnerabilities in federal information systems.