ITN 267 Assignment 8 Answer: The Following To The Best Of Yo

Itn 267 Assignment 8answer The Following To The Best Of Your

Summarize the Computer Security Act.

The Computer Security Act of 1987 is a landmark law in the United States designed to improve the security and privacy of government computer systems. It mandates that federal agencies develop and implement security plans for their automated information systems and ensures the protection of sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches. The Act also promotes the training of government personnel in computer security and emphasizes the importance of integrating security into the development and operation of federal information systems (U.S. Congress, 1987).

What is FISMA? FISMA 2002? And what are the six main provisions of FISMA.

The Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) was enacted in 2002 as part of the E-Government Act. It establishes a comprehensive framework for ensuring the security of government information, operations, and assets. FISMA requires federal agencies to develop, document, and implement an information security program that protects their information systems. The six main provisions of FISMA include: (1) categorization of information and information systems, (2) development of security programs, (3) implementation of security controls, (4) assessment and authorization of systems, (5) continuous monitoring, and (6) annual reporting to Congress (Office of Management and Budget [OMB], 2020).

What nine (9) items must be included in the agency information security programs?

Agency information security programs must include nine essential elements: (1) an inventory of major information systems, (2) security categorization, (3) risk assessment, (4) security control selection and implementation, (5) personnel security practices, (6) training and awareness, (7) incident response and reporting, (8) contingency planning, and (9) continuous monitoring to ensure ongoing security posture (NIST, 2013).

What is an Inspector General? What is the IG responsible for?

An Inspector General (IG) is an independent office within federal agencies responsible for auditing and investigating agency activities to promote efficiency, effectiveness, and compliance with laws and regulations. The IG oversees the agency’s programs, including security protocols, to detect and prevent fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement. Their responsibilities include conducting audits, investigations, and evaluations to ensure accountability and proper safeguarding of information (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020).

What is NIST? What is the benefit of this organization?

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is a U.S. federal agency that develops and promotes measurement, standards, and technology to enhance economic security and improve quality of life. NIST provides essential cybersecurity frameworks, including the widely adopted Special Publication 800 series, which guides federal agencies and private sector organizations on best practices for information security. The benefit of NIST lies in its role as an authoritative source for standards that improve interoperability, security, and innovation across various industries (NIST, 2021).

Who provides oversight for FISMA?

Oversight for FISMA is primarily provided by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), which monitors federal agencies' compliance through annual reports and reviews. Additionally, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) performs audits and evaluations to assess the effectiveness of agency security programs and FISMA implementation (GAO, 2020).

Summarize the Privacy Act of 1974.

The Privacy Act of 1974 establishes regulations for the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personal information stored by federal agencies. It grants individuals the right to access and correct their records and requires agencies to disclose what information they collect and how it is used. The Act aims to balance government record-keeping with privacy protections, imposing limits on the disclosure of personally identifiable information (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019).

Summarize the E-Government Act of 2002.

The E-Government Act of 2002 seeks to improve the management and transparency of government services through electronic means. It promotes the use of technology to enhance citizen access, improve service delivery, and protect privacy and security of data. The Act emphasizes the development of standards and policies to ensure privacy protections and emphasizes the importance of digital government initiatives to make federal services more accessible and efficient (U.S. Congress, 2002).

Summarize the three main import/export control laws.

The three main import/export control laws in the United States are the Export Administration Regulations (EAR), the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR), and the Foreign Assets Control Regulations (FACR). EAR regulates the export of dual-use items and technology for commercial and military purposes, administered by the Bureau of Industry and Security (BIS). ITAR controls the export of defense-related articles and services, overseen by the Directorate of Defense Trade Controls (DDTC). FACR, administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), enforces economic and trade sanctions against targeted countries, entities, and individuals. Collectively, these laws aim to protect national security and foreign policy interests (Department of Commerce, 2023).

Paper For Above instruction

The realm of federal government cybersecurity and data protection regulations is fundamental in safeguarding the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of government information systems. This paper explores key legislative acts, agencies, and standards that shape the U.S. government’s approach to information security and privacy. It begins with an overview of the Computer Security Act, followed by comprehensive insights into FISMA and related regulations. Additionally, it discusses roles of inspectors general, the contribution of NIST, and oversight mechanisms, complemented by discussions on privacy and export controls laws.

The Computer Security Act of 1987 was enacted to address growing concerns about the protection of federal government computer systems. It mandated the development of security plans and training for government personnel, acknowledging the increasing reliance on automated systems. Notably, the Act emphasizes integrating security measures during system development and operation, setting the stage for subsequent federal security initiatives (U.S. Congress, 1987). The Act's significance lies in formalizing security responsibilities across federal agencies, recognizing that effective cybersecurity is essential for maintaining public trust and operational continuity.

FISMA (Federal Information Security Management Act), enacted in 2002, is a cornerstone of federal cybersecurity legislation. It mandates comprehensive security protocols to safeguard information systems, requiring agencies to develop, implement, assess, and monitor security programs annually. The six main provisions of FISMA encompass categorizing systems based on sensitivity, developing tailored security programs, implementing controls, conducting risk assessments, authorizing systems, and continuous monitoring (Office of Management and Budget [OMB], 2020). These provisions ensure a structured approach to cybersecurity management, which is vital given the increasing sophistication of cyber threats.

In building effective security programs, federal agencies must include nine core items: an inventory of major systems, categorization of those systems, risk assessments, security controls, personnel security practices, training, incident response plans, contingency planning, and ongoing monitoring. These elements collectively establish a defendable security baseline, ensuring agencies can identify vulnerabilities, respond to incidents promptly, and maintain system integrity over time (NIST, 2013). Implementation of these components reflects a proactive strategy against evolving cyber threats.

The role of the Inspector General is paramount in maintaining accountability within federal agencies. IGs are independent entities responsible for auditing and investigating agency operations, including cybersecurity protocols. Their primary responsibility is to detect instances of fraud, waste, abuse, and mismanagement, often through audits, investigations, and evaluations. By doing so, they help ensure that agencies adhere to statutory and regulatory requirements, promoting efficient use of resources and safeguarding sensitive information (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020). The IG’s independence and authority are crucial for objective oversight.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a vital role in shaping cybersecurity standards across government and industry. As a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, NIST develops standards, guidelines, and best practices to improve cybersecurity resilience. The NIST Cybersecurity Framework and Special Publication 800 series are especially influential, providing comprehensive guidance on managing and reducing cybersecurity risk. The organization’s work supports interoperability, consistency, and innovation in cybersecurity practices, benefiting both public and private sectors (NIST, 2021).

Oversight of FISMA is primarily the responsibility of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The OMB monitors and enforces compliance by requiring agencies to submit annual reports detailing their security practices and vulnerabilities. The Government Accountability Office (GAO) complements this oversight by conducting independent audits and assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of federal cybersecurity measures and FISMA implementation. Together, these agencies ensure accountability and continuous improvement in securing government information systems (GAO, 2020).

The Privacy Act of 1974 established protections for individuals regarding the collection, use, and dissemination of personal data maintained by federal agencies. It grants individuals rights to access, review, and amend their records, and requires agencies to inform individuals about the collection and purpose of their personal information. The Act aims to strike a balance between government record-keeping and privacy protections, limiting disclosures unless authorized by law or with consent (U.S. Department of Justice, 2019). This legislation laid the groundwork for subsequent privacy protections in the digital age.

The E-Government Act of 2002 aims to modernize government operations by leveraging electronic technologies. It emphasizes enhancing citizen access to government services, promoting transparency, and protecting data privacy and security. The Act mandates the development of standards and policies to ensure agencies' digital initiatives are accessible, efficient, and secure. It also encourages agencies to adopt best practices for web development and information security, making government services more responsive and accountable (U.S. Congress, 2002).

The main import/export control laws are designed to safeguard national security and economic interests. The Export Administration Regulations (EAR) regulate the export of dual-use items and technologies, ensuring they do not fall into unauthorized hands. The International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) controls defense-related exports, including military equipment and services. The Foreign Assets Control Regulations (FACR), administered by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC), impose trade sanctions and restrict transactions with designated countries, entities, or individuals. These legal frameworks collectively serve to prevent the proliferation of sensitive technologies and uphold foreign policy objectives (Department of Commerce, 2023).

In the context of compliance with the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) breach notification plan requirements, an inspector general must verify that agencies adhere to mandated procedures for reporting data breaches. This includes ensuring that the plan clearly defines breach identification, reporting timelines, responsible parties, notification procedures to affected individuals, and coordination with law enforcement agencies. The checklist should confirm that the plan aligns with federal policies, such as OMB Memorandum M-17-12, and emphasizes transparency and prompt communication following incidents. Regular testing, review processes, and staff training should also be stipulated to maintain readiness and compliance.

References

• Department of Commerce. (2023). Export Administration Regulations (EAR). https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php/regulations/commerce-control-list-ccl
• GAO. (2020). Federal Information Security: Continued Efforts Needed to Improve Agency Practices. GAO-20-489. https://www.gao.gov/products/gao-20-489
• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). (2013). Guide for Applying the Risk Management Framework to Federal Information Systems. NIST SP 800-37 Revision 2.
• NIST. (2021). Framework for Improving Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity. https://www.nist.gov/cyberframework
• Office of Management and Budget. (2020). Federal Information Security Management Act Implementation. Circular A-130, Appendix IV.
• U.S. Congress. (1987). Computer Security Act of 1987. Public Law 100-235. https://www.congress.gov/bill/100th-congress/house-bill/516
• U.S. Congress. (2002). E-Government Act of 2002. Public Law 107-347. https://www.congress.gov/bill/107th-congress/house-bill/2458
• U.S. Department of Justice. (2019). Privacy Act of 1974. https://www.justice.gov/opcl/privacy-act-1974
• U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (2020). Inspections, Audits, and Investigations. https://oig.hhs.gov/about-oig/
• U.S. Office of Foreign Assets Control. (2023). Sanctions Programs and Country Information. https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/financial-sanctions/sanctions-programs-and-country-information