ISSC 361 Information Assurance Assignment 8 Requirements ✓ Solved

Course: ISSC 361 Information Assurance Assignment 8 Requi

Visit the United States Government Accountability Office website for Key Issues, Ensuring the Security of Federal Information Systems and Cyber critical infrastructure and Protecting the Privacy of Personally Identifiable Information – High Risk Issue. Under the Key Report tabs, select a report, and provide a summary of the report you selected. The assignment must be a 2 FULL pages of content and a minimum of 2-sources. Please be sure to follow APAv6 guidelines for entire paper.

Paper For Above Instructions

The increasing complexity and interconnectedness of federal information systems and critical infrastructure have heightened the importance of cybersecurity and privacy measures. As we delve into the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) reports, one significant report that highlights the key issues in these domains is “Federal Information Security: Progress Made, but Key Challenges Remain.” This report underscores the critical need for robust strategies to ensure the security of federal information systems amidst evolving cyber threats.

Overview of the Selected GAO Report

The GAO report selected addresses the ongoing struggles faced by federal agencies in securing their information systems. It confirms that despite notable progress in recent years, significant challenges continue to impede the effectiveness of cybersecurity measures across federal agencies. Summarizing the core findings, the report identifies the following key issues:

• Inadequate Implementation of Security Controls: The report notes that many agencies still fail to implement essential security controls adequately, which are critical for safeguarding sensitive information against cyber intrusions.
• Human Factor Vulnerabilities: One major area highlighted is human errors—whether due to insufficient training or failure to adhere to established security protocols, these vulnerabilities often lead to data breaches.
• Resource Constraints: The report also emphasizes the issue of inadequate financial and human resources allocated to cybersecurity, which hampers agencies’ ability to respond effectively to threats.
• Insufficient Incident Response Planning: An effective incident response plan is essential for minimizing damage during a cyber event. The report raises concerns about the lack of comprehensive incident response planning across various agencies.

Importance of Cybersecurity for Federal Information Systems

Cybersecurity is paramount for protecting federal information systems as they house sensitive data, including personally identifiable information (PII) and national security information. The GAO report highlights that the diverse nature of cyber threats necessitates a proactive stance. This involves not just reactive measures post-breach but a comprehensive security posture that encompasses risk management, continuous monitoring, and incident response planning. The report emphasizes the need for agencies to adopt frameworks such as the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Cybersecurity Framework to enhance their security measures.

Protecting Privacy of Personally Identifiable Information

Another critical aspect addressed in the GAO report is the protection of PII. Federal agencies are custodians of vast amounts of PII, making them prime targets for cyber-attacks. The mismanagement or exposure of this information can lead to identity theft and other serious repercussions for individuals. The report advocates for stricter adherence to privacy regulations such as the Privacy Act and the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) to ensure compliance and protect individual privacy rights.

Recommendations for Improvement

To mitigate the identified risks, the GAO report provides several key recommendations:

1. Enhanced Training: Agencies must invest in regular training and awareness programs for employees to reduce human factor vulnerabilities.
2. Resource Allocation: It is essential that agencies receive adequate funding and resources to implement and maintain robust cybersecurity measures.
3. Regular Assessments: Routine security assessments and audits should be mandated to evaluate the effectiveness of security controls and incident response strategies.
4. Collaboration and Information Sharing: Strengthening collaboration between agencies and sharing information regarding threats and best practices can enhance overall cybersecurity resilience.

Conclusion

The GAO report on federal information security brings to light the significant challenges faced by U.S. agencies in securing their information systems and protecting PII. While progress has been made, it is crucial for federal entities to adopt a more stringent, proactive approach towards cybersecurity. By implementing the recommendations outlined in the report, agencies can better safeguard against evolving cyber threats, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of the nation’s critical infrastructure.

References

• U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2020). Federal Information Security: Progress Made, but Key Challenges Remain. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-445
• National Institute of Standards and Technology. (2018). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. Retrieved from https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
• U.S. Government Accountability Office. (2021). Managing Risks to Cybersecurity of Federal Information Systems. Retrieved from https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-21-113
• Office of Management and Budget. (2018). Preparing for and Responding to Cyber Incidents. Retrieved from https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2018/09/M-18-02.pdf
• Federal Trade Commission. (2016). Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business. Retrieved from https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/business-center/guidance/protecting-personal-information-guide-business
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2020). Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/
• Privacy Rights Clearinghouse. (2018). Personal Data in the Hands of the Federal Government: Risk and Recommendations. Retrieved from https://privacyrights.org/resources/personal-data-hands-federal-government-risk-and-recommendations
• General Services Administration. (2019). Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA). Retrieved from https://csrc.nist.gov/publications/detail/fisma/2019/05/30/federal-information-security-modernization-act-fisma
• National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center. (2020). Cybersecurity Incident Response: Operational Recommendations. Retrieved from https://www.cisa.gov/nccic
• Office of the Inspector General. (2021). The Status of Federal Information Security. Retrieved from https://www.oig.dhs.gov/publications/status-federal-information-security-2021