What does "FISMA" stand for in the context of information security?

"FISMA" stands for the Federal Information Security Management Act. This legislation was enacted to provide a comprehensive framework for ensuring the effectiveness and security of information systems used by federal agencies. It emphasizes the importance of securing information and information systems against various threats and outlines the responsibilities of federal agencies in managing information security.

The act mandates that federal agencies develop, document, and implement an information security program that includes an assessment of risk, the establishment of security controls, and the continuous monitoring of security measures. FISMA also establishes roles for the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) in the oversight and guidance of federal information security.

By focusing on a structured approach to information security within the federal government, FISMA aims to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of federal information, ensuring the government can effectively manage and mitigate risks to its information systems.