Which department was assigned by FISMA to prescribe standards for federal information systems?

Which department was assigned by FISMA to prescribe standards for federal information systems?

• A. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• B. Defense Department
• C. Commerce Department
• D. National Security Agency

Answer: (A)

The correct answer is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), the DHS is designated to oversee the development and issuance of security standards for federal information systems. This responsibility includes working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which develops specific standards and guidelines related to information security. The role of the DHS in this context is critical because it ensures that federal agencies adhere to a consistent set of security practices, which ultimately enhances the protection of government information and information systems. The establishment of these standards is vital for maintaining a secure federal information environment and guiding agencies on best practices for information security risk management. It is important to recognize that while other departments such as the Defense Department, Commerce Department, and the National Security Agency play significant roles in cybersecurity, particularly regarding defense and national security, the specific responsibility for prescribing information security standards for federal systems is assigned to the Department of Homeland Security.

The correct answer is the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Under the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), the DHS is designated to oversee the development and issuance of security standards for federal information systems. This responsibility includes working with the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), which develops specific standards and guidelines related to information security.

The role of the DHS in this context is critical because it ensures that federal agencies adhere to a consistent set of security practices, which ultimately enhances the protection of government information and information systems. The establishment of these standards is vital for maintaining a secure federal information environment and guiding agencies on best practices for information security risk management.

It is important to recognize that while other departments such as the Defense Department, Commerce Department, and the National Security Agency play significant roles in cybersecurity, particularly regarding defense and national security, the specific responsibility for prescribing information security standards for federal systems is assigned to the Department of Homeland Security.