Information Security (INFOSEC)

Information Security (INFOSEC) encompasses the policies, procedures, standards, and technical controls used to protect federal government information and information systems against unauthorized access, use, disclosure, disruption, modification, or destruction, governed by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and NIST standards.

What is INFOSEC?

INFOSEC in the federal context is primarily governed by FISMA, which requires each federal agency to develop and implement an information security program covering all systems that support agency operations and assets, including those operated by contractors on behalf of the agency. The NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) provides the implementation methodology, and NIST Special Publication 800-53 provides the security control catalog. Contractors who develop, operate, or maintain federal information systems must implement the applicable security controls specified in the system security plan, participate in security assessments, and report security incidents to the agency within required timeframes. FISMA compliance extends to contractor-operated systems, if a contractor operates a system that stores or processes federal data, that system is subject to FISMA requirements regardless of whether it is located at a federal facility. The shift to FISMA 2014 (the Federal Information Security Modernization Act) updated FISMA to emphasize continuous monitoring over periodic assessments, and contractors must implement continuous monitoring programs on FISMA-covered systems. INFOSEC is distinct from COMSEC (which covers classified communications) and OPSEC (which covers unclassified sensitive information), but all three overlap in the broader national security information protection framework.

Why INFOSEC matters for government contractors

FISMA compliance is a contractual and legal requirement for any contractor operating federal information systems. Non-compliance can result in contract termination, inability to receive ATO renewals, and civil liability for breaches. Federal IT contracts increasingly include specific FISMA and INFOSEC requirements as mandatory provisions rather than optional quality considerations.

Example

A contractor operating a data management platform for a civilian agency implements a continuous monitoring program as required by FISMA and the agency's contract. The contractor deploys security information and event management (SIEM) tooling, conducts vulnerability scanning, and submits monthly security status reports to the agency's information system security manager, all INFOSEC obligations specified in the contract's security requirements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is FISMA and who does it apply to?

The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) requires federal agencies to implement information security programs for all information systems supporting agency operations, including contractor-operated systems. FISMA applies to all federal agencies and, through contract requirements, to contractors that operate federal information systems.

How does INFOSEC differ from cybersecurity?

INFOSEC is the broader concept covering policies, physical, procedural, and technical measures to protect information. Cybersecurity is often used interchangeably but more specifically refers to technical measures protecting networked information systems from cyber threats. In federal usage, the terms are often used interchangeably, with FISMA and NIST RMF as the governing framework for both.

What is the difference between an ATO and FISMA compliance?

An Authority to Operate (ATO) is the formal authorization decision that a system is permitted to operate based on an acceptable risk determination. FISMA compliance is the ongoing process of implementing security controls, monitoring, and reporting that keeps a system in an authorized state. ATO is the milestone; FISMA compliance is the continuous discipline.

Do contractors need to report security incidents to the government?

Yes. FISMA and most federal IT contracts require contractors to report cybersecurity incidents involving federal information to the agency's ISSO and, for DoD contractors, to CISA and DCSA as applicable. Reporting timelines vary, some contracts require notification within one hour of discovery for significant incidents.