What is FISMA?

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), was enacted in 2002. Its development was driven by the need to protect government information systems against cyber attacks and to ensure the continuity and integrity of governmental operations in the face of growing digital vulnerabilities. 

Understanding FISMA

According to the CMS website, “The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) defines a framework of guidelines and security standards to protect government information and operations. FISMA requires all federal agencies to develop, document and implement agency-wide information security programs.”

FISMA originated in response to the increasing recognition of cybersecurity threats and the need for:

• Establishing information security programs: Mandating federal agencies to develop, document, and implement agency-wide programs to secure their information and information systems.
• Risk assessment and management: Requiring agencies to conduct regular risk assessments to identify, evaluate, and mitigate risks to information security.
• Security controls implementation: Directing agencies to implement appropriate security controls and practices to protect information systems from threats.
• Continuous monitoring: Instructing agencies to continuously monitor their information security programs to ensure ongoing effectiveness and compliance with established standards.
• Incident response preparedness: Ensuring agencies have capabilities in place for detecting, reporting, and responding to security incidents effectively.
• Enhancing federal cybersecurity: Improving the overall cybersecurity posture of federal information systems to protect against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction.
• Standardizing security practices across agencies: Creating a consistent and government-wide approach to information security management.

See also: HIPAA Compliant Email: The Definitive Guide

Roles and responsibilities FISMA assigns to federal agencies  

Under the FISMA, federal agencies have a comprehensive set of roles and responsibilities centered around securing government information and assets. This includes the development and implementation of an agency-wide information security program. As part of this program, they need to establish security policies and procedures that are specifically designed to address and mitigate the risks identified through regular risk assessments. 

These agencies are also tasked with the continuous monitoring and periodic testing of their information security controls to ensure they remain effective and compliant with FISMA standards. Additionally, part of their responsibility involves consistently reporting the status and effectiveness of their information security programs to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and other relevant authorities.

See also: The FOIA and HIPAA

HIPAA and FISMA

HIPAA and FISMA, while distinct in their specific areas of focus, do interact in the realm of federal healthcare information systems. HIPAA, which sets standards for protecting sensitive patient health information, applies to healthcare providers, plans, and clearinghouses. On the other hand, FISMA mandates federal agencies, including those in the healthcare sector, to protect the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information systems and data. When a federal healthcare agency handles personal health information, it must comply with HIPAA's privacy and security rules. Simultaneously, it needs to adhere to FISMA's requirements for information security. 

See also: HIPAA and the Privacy Act

FAQs

What are the benefits of FISMA compliance?

Benefits of FISMA compliance include improved data protection, reduced risk of security incidents, enhanced trust from stakeholders, and adherence to federal security standards.

How is FISMA compliance monitored?

FISMA compliance is monitored through annual audits and reviews conducted by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

What happens if an organization fails to comply with FISMA?

Failure to comply with FISMA can result in penalties, loss of federal contracts, and increased vulnerability to security breaches.