The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) is a US federal law enacted in 2002 as part of the E-Government Act. FISMA establishes a framework for securing federal government information systems and provides guidelines for managing information security risks. Let’s explore the history of FISMA:

1. Background and Motivation: The need for comprehensive information security measures within the US federal government became evident as technology became increasingly prevalent in government operations. FISMA was developed to address the growing challenges of protecting sensitive government information and establishing consistent security practices.
2. Enactment: FISMA was signed into law by President George W. Bush on December 17, 2002, as part of the E-Government Act. The Act aimed to improve government services through the use of information technology and establish security standards for federal agencies.
3. Objectives: FISMA establishes a risk-based approach to information security management within federal agencies. Its primary objectives include providing a comprehensive framework for assessing and managing information security risks, ensuring the effectiveness of security controls, and promoting continuous monitoring and improvement of security posture.
4. Roles and Responsibilities: FISMA assigns specific roles and responsibilities to various entities within the federal government. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a crucial role in developing standards and guidelines for information security, while federal agencies are responsible for implementing and maintaining effective security programs.
5. NIST Special Publications: NIST develops and publishes a series of special publications, such as the NIST Special Publication 800-53, which provides a comprehensive set of security controls and guidelines for federal information systems. These publications serve as the basis for security requirements and best practices under FISMA.
6. Risk Management Framework: FISMA promotes a risk management approach to information security. It requires federal agencies to implement a risk management framework, which includes activities such as risk assessments, security categorization, security control selection, implementation, and continuous monitoring.
7. Reporting and Compliance: FISMA mandates federal agencies to conduct regular security assessments and report on their information security programs. Agencies are required to submit annual reports to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and undergo independent evaluations by agency inspectors general.
8. Continuous Monitoring: FISMA emphasizes the importance of continuous monitoring to identify and respond to security incidents in a timely manner. Agencies are required to implement systems and processes for ongoing monitoring of their information systems’ security posture.
9. Amendments and Updates: FISMA has been amended and updated over the years to address emerging cybersecurity challenges and changes in technology. The Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014 (FISMA 2014) introduced revisions to enhance the effectiveness and efficiency of federal information security programs.
10. Impact and Influence: FISMA has had a significant impact on federal information security practices. It has elevated the importance of information security within federal agencies, encouraged the adoption of risk-based approaches, and fostered the implementation of security controls and continuous monitoring practices.

Today, FISMA remains a critical framework for securing federal information systems and protecting sensitive government information. It helps establish a baseline for information security practices and guides federal agencies in their efforts to safeguard data, mitigate risks, and maintain the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of government systems and information.