What Are Federal Information Processing Standards (FIPS)?

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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 the recent updates to FIPS security standards, such as FIPS 140-3 and FIPS 186-5, and how they impact federal information security.

 

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What Does it Mean to be FISMA Compliant?

Featured FISMA insights. Enhance 2025 cybersecurity with Continuum's FISMA-ready GRC software and risk assessment.

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 core, FISMA dictates some of the basic and most fundamental cybersecurity practices that governed organizations must adhere to. Learn more about what it means to meet FISMA compliance. 

 

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