Which agency was tasked by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to establish standards for information security?

Which agency was tasked by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to establish standards for information security?

• A. National Security Agency (NSA)
• B. Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
• C. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
• D. Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

Answer: (C)

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was tasked by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to develop standards for information security. This mandated NIST to create a comprehensive framework of guidelines for federal agencies to follow in order to secure their information systems. This involves both the development of security standards and guidelines for federal information systems to ensure compliance with legislative requirements related to security. NIST's role is critical as it focuses on establishing a baseline of security standards that can help agencies protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or breaches. This involvement reflects the agency's expertise in establishing benchmarks for technology and security practices across various sectors, which helps to standardize security measures and improve the overall security posture of federal agencies. Other agencies mentioned have different roles; for instance, the Department of Homeland Security focuses on protecting the nation's infrastructure, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation addresses law enforcement and national security challenges. The National Security Agency primarily deals with foreign intelligence and cybersecurity threats but does not set security standards in the same way as NIST.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) was tasked by the Federal Information Security Management Act of 2002 to develop standards for information security. This mandated NIST to create a comprehensive framework of guidelines for federal agencies to follow in order to secure their information systems. This involves both the development of security standards and guidelines for federal information systems to ensure compliance with legislative requirements related to security.

NIST's role is critical as it focuses on establishing a baseline of security standards that can help agencies protect sensitive information from unauthorized access or breaches. This involvement reflects the agency's expertise in establishing benchmarks for technology and security practices across various sectors, which helps to standardize security measures and improve the overall security posture of federal agencies.

Other agencies mentioned have different roles; for instance, the Department of Homeland Security focuses on protecting the nation's infrastructure, while the Federal Bureau of Investigation addresses law enforcement and national security challenges. The National Security Agency primarily deals with foreign intelligence and cybersecurity threats but does not set security standards in the same way as NIST.