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Governance, Risk, Audit & Privacy · Foundational

Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA)

US law requiring federal agencies to develop, document, and implement agency-wide information security programs.

Definition

FISMA 2014 updated the 2002 Federal Information Security Management Act, assigning OMB oversight, DHS/CISA operational responsibilities, and NIST standard-setting roles. Agencies must categorize systems, implement controls, perform continuous monitoring, report incidents, and submit annual reports. NIST's RMF and SP 800-53 are the primary means of compliance.

Example

An agency's inspector general conducts the annual FISMA evaluation of its security program.

Exam tip

FISMA applies to federal agencies and contractors operating systems on their behalf.

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