Managing Secured Data for the Federal Government

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Protecting the data of the United States Government is a multi-layer process that involves multiple departments and deeply-divided containerization of content. The Federal Government and associated defense contractors struggled for years to meet compliance requirements for contracting; many firms turned their attention away from the Federal Government. 

The security of information technology systems and data is essential for the successful functioning of Federal agencies and critical infrastructures such as energy, transportation, communications, and financial services.

Students studying for a degree in Software Development, Data Analytics, or Cybersecurity at CIAT.Edu that plan to apply for jobs in the Federal Information Systems groups should continue to research the various data security frameworks and compliance regulations for protecting the U.S. government.

This article discusses the various Federal departments, including the Department of Homeland Security and the Department of Defense; civilian agencies, including the National Security Agency, the Central Intelligence Agency, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation; and how these departments and agencies leverage compliance frameworks, data sharing, and data classification strategies.

Navigating Federal Compliance Requirements

Thanks partly to new Federal Government frameworks and initiatives to promote security and collaboration, data protection has become manageable–but it could be better. Good protection ensures public trust and strengthens national security, economic growth, and well-being.

Most existing federal government systems and processes in the last century provide data or statistics regularly; however, today’s needs demand insights within days or hours. These legacy systems could have done more to promote data sharing or collaboration. Many departments purposely isolated themselves from each to protect their data and funding sources.

The current federal government data system is transforming, promoting collaboration and sharing. With a coordinated strategy, decision-makers at all levels of government need to protect their data and help restrict access to adjacent departments. Although decentralization supports decision-makers’ interests, its limits hinder data sharing, resulting in initiatives like the Cyber Information Sharing and Collaboration Program (CISCP).

What is the CISCP Program?

“The Cyber Information Sharing and Collaboration Program (CISCP) promotes the sharing of cyber threats, incidents, and vulnerability data.” Through CISA Central (formerly the National Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Center (NCCIC)), members can gain greater insight into security risks and develop more effective countermeasures.

What is CISA?

The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) collaborates with federal civilian departments and agencies to implement risk-minded policies and procedures to stay ahead of advancing risks. CISA distributes automated alerts in both the public and private sectors to fortify cyber networks. This method structures cybersecurity endeavors by providing assets that can be tapped into quickly, effectively carrying out prescribed protection methods.

CISA and other federal agencies invest considerable funds in creating cybersecurity and risk management frameworks to help the public and U.S. companies stay secure. For example, CISA provides recovery support functions for ransomware attacks and insight into threat intelligence information documenting future foreseeable risks. Moreover, the agency also provides frameworks to help hire cybersecurity talent and provides a foundation for information sharing and collaboration.

To move forward, the federal government requires a Digital Strategy that uses fewer resources and facilitates innovation while utilizing government data to serve Americans better. With the establishment of the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA), the inception of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) 800 series framework, and the guidelines for assisting employers in hiring cybersecurity talent, these government initiatives continue to help protect sensitive and secure data.

Understand the Importance of NIST-800-53

NIST-800-53 Frameworks

NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF) is a set of guidelines and principles organizations should follow to address cybersecurity risks. NIST SP 800-53 also introduces the security control baselines. NIST contains five focus areas:

• Identify
• Protect
• Detect
• Respond
• Recover

Federal government agencies and non-government organizations use NIST-800-53 to comply with multiple regulatory standards and also reduce the potential risk of external threats from terrorist groups, state-sponsored cyber terrorism, and domestic cyber incidents from within the United States.

Before NIST-800, several government agencies developed their security standards and policies. NIST created a set of industry frameworks, architectures, and procedures designed to meet these regulatory mandates and defend against cybersecurity events against critical infrastructure services. Using NIST-800-53, organizations can simplify their governance needs for various regulations such as PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and CCPA.

Why is NIST-800-53 Critical to the Federal Government?

NIST SP 500-53 delivers a unified information security framework and enterprise risk management program for agencies and defense contractors to align to. The United States government leverages NIST for all departments to have a common and effective risk management framework, excluding agencies that deal with national security. Those departments align more with the FedRAMP framework for cloud security.

Compliance with NIST SP 800-53 and other NIST guidelines is significant in FISMA and FedRAMP compliance. This framework helps improve the security rating of your organization by providing a secure foundation for information systems, industry best-practice around incident response practices, and standards for encryption measures.

Complying with NIST SP 800-53 and other standards helps organizations improve their compliance with data protection laws and regulations such as the SHIELD Act, LGPD, GDPR, CCPA, GLBA, PIPEDA, HIPAA, PCI DSS, and 23 NYCRR 500.

For effective data collaboration, it is imperative to understand the importance of protecting critical and secretive U.S. government data as well as the importance of data classification. 

Federal Government Standards and Mandates for Data Protection and Classification

Data classification is a process used in information security that involves assigning a sensitivity level to data and determining the baseline security controls to protect it from unauthorized disclosure, alteration, or destruction.

Knowledge for Today and in the Future

CIAT.Edu provides ideal Degree and Certification Programs that align with a future career in the federal government. Explore these program paths below:

• Applied for Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems–Cybersecurity Concentration
• Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) Certification–CEH–V11
• CISSP Certification
• AWS Security Specialty Certification