The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) is a United States law that establishes guidelines and security standards to safeguard government IT operations against cyber threats. Enacted in 2002 and revised in 2014, FISMA mandates a risk management framework, expanded to cover state agencies and private entities with U.S
government contracts. It requires the development, documentation, and implementation of information security programs by federal agencies and other applicable organizations, overseen by NIST and OMB. FISMA compliance involves categorizing risks, implementing security controls, documenting systems, conducting risk assessments, and annual security reviews. Noncompliance can lead to reduced funding or penalties. FISMA aims to improve information security cost-effectively while providing flexibility in implementation; however, challenges include sharing cybersecurity information, lagging updates to address new threats, and complex controls. Ultimately, FISMA serves as a foundation for security measures across various sectors, enhancing data protection and threat responsiveness. https://www.techtarget.com/searchsecurity/definition/Federal-Information-Security-Management-Act