Which act outlines guidelines specifically for agency-wide security programs in federal agencies?

Which act outlines guidelines specifically for agency-wide security programs in federal agencies?

• A. E-Government Act of 2002
• B. Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA)
• C. Privacy Act, 1974
• D. Government Information Security Reform Act (GISRA)

Answer: (B)

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) establishes a comprehensive framework for ensuring the effectiveness of information security controls over information resources that support federal operations and assets. Specifically, FISMA outlines the responsibilities of federal agencies in developing, documenting, and implementing an agency-wide information security program. This includes requirements for conducting periodic risk assessments, developing security policies and procedures, and ensuring continuous monitoring and improvement of security controls to protect federal information systems. FISMA is critical because it emphasizes the importance of an integrated security strategy, reinforcing that agency-wide security programs must adhere to specific standards and guidelines to safeguard sensitive information. This act not only mandates compliance but also requires agencies to report on the effectiveness of their security programs, thus holding agencies accountable and promoting a culture of security across the federal government. Other acts mentioned, such as the E-Government Act and the Privacy Act, focus on different areas such as improving government efficiency and protecting personal privacy, respectively. GISRA was an earlier attempt to address information security management but has been largely superseded by FISMA, which has more comprehensive guidelines. Therefore, FISMA remains the key legislation outlining guidelines for agency-wide security programs in federal agencies.

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) establishes a comprehensive framework for ensuring the effectiveness of information security controls over information resources that support federal operations and assets. Specifically, FISMA outlines the responsibilities of federal agencies in developing, documenting, and implementing an agency-wide information security program. This includes requirements for conducting periodic risk assessments, developing security policies and procedures, and ensuring continuous monitoring and improvement of security controls to protect federal information systems.

FISMA is critical because it emphasizes the importance of an integrated security strategy, reinforcing that agency-wide security programs must adhere to specific standards and guidelines to safeguard sensitive information. This act not only mandates compliance but also requires agencies to report on the effectiveness of their security programs, thus holding agencies accountable and promoting a culture of security across the federal government.

Other acts mentioned, such as the E-Government Act and the Privacy Act, focus on different areas such as improving government efficiency and protecting personal privacy, respectively. GISRA was an earlier attempt to address information security management but has been largely superseded by FISMA, which has more comprehensive guidelines. Therefore, FISMA remains the key legislation outlining guidelines for agency-wide security programs in federal agencies.