What standard outlines the security categorization of federal information systems?

The correct choice is indeed Federal Information Processing Standard Publication 199, as it specifically outlines the security categorization of federal information systems. FIPS 199 provides a standardized approach for categorizing information and information systems based on the potential impact to organizations and individuals in the event of a breach of confidentiality, integrity, or availability. This categorization is essential for determining the appropriate security controls that should be implemented under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA).

FIPS 199 helps federal agencies in their risk management processes by establishing impact levels that guide the selection of security measures. The proper categorization is a crucial first step in building a comprehensive security framework, ensuring that the security controls align with the government’s requirements and the specific risks associated with the information system.

The other choices serve different purposes: FIPS Publication 180 deals with secure hashing algorithms, the Federal Risk Management Framework provides broader guidance on the risk management process and approach adopted by federal agencies, and NIST Special Publication 800-53 offers a catalog of security and privacy controls for federal information systems but does not focus on the categorization process itself. Thus, FIPS 199 stands out as the standard specifically addressing security categorization.