Who Needs to Comply with FISMA?
FISMA, or the Federal Information Security Management Act, mandates specific compliance requirements primarily for federal agencies and organizations. Here’s a structured overview of who needs to comply:
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Federal Agencies:
All federal agencies are required to comply with FISMA regulations. This includes departments, independent agencies, and government corporations within the federal government. They must establish, document, and implement an information security program that meets FISMA standards.
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Contractors and Service Providers:
Any private sector contractors or service providers that handle federal data or systems are also required to comply with FISMA. This includes organizations that provide IT services, cloud computing, and various technology solutions for federal agencies.
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State and Local Governments:
While primarily focused on federal entities, state and local governments that work with federal systems (e.g., handling federal funds or data) may also need to adhere to FISMA-like standards in order to secure sensitive information effectively.
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Federal Affiliates:
Organizations linked to federal operations—from educational institutions to nonprofit organizations that collaborate with federal agencies—must also comply if they engage with federal information systems.
In summary, FISMA compliance primarily affects federal agencies, their contractors, and various affiliates that engage with federal information systems, ensuring that sensitive government data is adequately protected across all platforms.