How to Determine Cybersecurity Impact Level Using FIPS 199

The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 199 provides organizations and individuals with the necessary guidance to determine a cybersecurity threat’s impact level accurately. These impact levels define the level of security a system should have to protect the data contained therein adequately.  This article will take you through an overview of FIPS 199 and how… Read More

What Are Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)?

Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS) are essential for federal agencies and contractors to ensure the security of sensitive information, such as classified data, personally identifiable information, and financial data.  This article will describe some of the most common FIPS security standards, their importance, and how federal agencies and contractors use them. We will also discuss… Read More

FedRAMP and FIPS-Defined Impact Levels

One of the foundational pieces of information that a cloud provider needs to know when preparing for their FedRAMP Authorization is the required Impact Level. These levels aren’t generic labels applied by agencies to highlight the importance of their data–they are clearly-defined categories laid out by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) to… Read More

What Does it Mean to be FISMA Compliant?

The Federal Information Security Act, or FISMA, is a comprehensive cybersecurity law that has a widespread impact on federal agencies, state agencies handling federal programs and contractors and service providers working with these agencies. As such, its effect is wide-ranging, and FISMA requirements often overlap or inform other, more specific compliance frameworks. However, at its… Read More

FedRAMP vs. FISMA Compliance: What is the Difference?

Working with federal agencies can be a big boon for enterprise and SMB service providers. Not only are they working in a lucrative and challenging space, but they can also provide critical infrastructural support to the operation and defense of our country. The regulations, however, can prove a nightmare. For example, should you adhere to… Read More