FISMA Compliance Consulting | NIST 800-53 & FISMA Assessment

What is FISMA compliance?

FISMA stands for the Federal Information Security Management Act, which was passed by the United States Congress in 2002. FISMA was created to require each federal agency to develop, document, and implement a complete information security plan to protect and support the operations of the agency. FISMA compliance is data security guidance set by FISMA and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST).

FISMA compliance is mandatory for all federal agencies and any contractors or other organizations supporting a federal agency in IT system. That means not only federal agencies, but private sector companies that do business with federal agencies also must adhere to the same information security guidelines.

How to become FISMA Compliant?

To be FISMA compliant you need to information security controls across your organization based on the guidance from NIST. Specific FISMA requirements are detailed in NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 4 (current publication), the Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) publications 199 and 200.

FISMA requirements include:

Information System Inventory
Risk Categorization
System Security Plan
Security Controls
Risk Assessments
Certification and Accreditation

FISMA requires every agency to maintain an inventory of all systems and their integrations in use.

FIPS 199 documents how an agency categorizes their risk and security requirements. Each agency is responsible for maintaining the highest level of security necessary per this document.

FISMA requires that each agency have a security plan in place and a process to make sure the plan is updated regularly.

NIST 800-53 Rev. 4 defines 20 security controls that each agency must implement to be FISMA compliant.

Any time an agency makes a change to their systems, they are required to perform a three tiered risk assessment using the Risk Management Framework (RMF).

FISMA requires each agency to conduct yearly security reviews. Agencies must demonstrate they can implement, maintain, and monitor systems to be FISMA compliant.

Why you need FISMA compliance?

Today’s complex information systems and networks are enormously beneficial for most users, but they do come with certain inherent risks. Federal agencies are an alluring target for hackers because these agencies transmit, process, and store vital, strategic, and confidential information that could be used for personal gain or to harm national interests. That’s why proper information security is so vital to a federal agency’s ability to fend off cyber criminals and protect sensitive national security information.

Key Benefits of FISMA Compliance:

Assuring clients that their sensitive data is protected
Protecting government information and assets with confidentiality, integrity, and availability
Reducing IT related cost to the federal government
Maintaining loyal clients and attract new ones

Penalties for Poor FISMA Grades:

Censure by congress
Negative publicity for the agency
Reduced federal funding for agencies

How WCG will help you?

WCG provides knowledgeable and experienced consultants to assist federal agencies to improve their security posture and become compliant with FISMA.ty assessment consists of the following assessment areas:

Our FISMA Assessment Service helps clients to:

Categorize the information to be protected
Select minimum baseline controls
Refine controls using a risk assessment procedure
Document the controls in the system security plan
Implement security controls in appropriate information systems
Assess the effectiveness of the security controls once they have been implemented
Determine agency-level risks to the mission or business case
Monitor the security controls on a continuous basis

Why choose WCG for your FISMA assessment services?

Experienced Team

Our team has unparalleled experience aiding governments and businesses around the world in defending themselves against cybercrime, reducing risks, complying with regulations, and transforming their IT, security operations & infrastructure.

Practical Guidance

WCG has hands-on IT experts who have extensive knowledge and experience helping businesses.

Reasonable Pricing

We provide simple, straightforward pricing with no hidden agenda, miscellaneous charges, or add-on fees

Personalized Customer Service

Our personable, dedicated staff to answer any questions you have at any time throughout the process.

Proven Track Records

WCG has an exceptional reputation and track record for numerous services.

Adopting to Your Needs

We develop and customize an approach that suits your immediate requirements and future goals. To achieve this, WCG will provide pragmatic insights and balanced views on how to prioritize any associated actions.

FISMA Assessment Services

What is FISMA compliance?

How to become FISMA Compliant?

Why you need FISMA compliance?

How WCG will help you?