With new attention on recent security breaches of federal information systems, President Obama has issued a mandate that these systems undergo an immediate review for cyber security. But federal government agencies face numerous challenges, including the fact that FISMA compliance is often viewed as a time-consuming exercise that generates mountains of paperwork, but still doesn't protect systems.

This paper discusses:

• Recent security breaches of federal information systems
  
• The goal of FISMA in protecting these systems
  
• Challenges federal agencies face complying with FISMA
  
• The characteristics of high-performing IT organizations
  
• 7 practical steps federal agencies can take, based on these high-performers, to increase cyber security

Download this paper and learn what IT organizations in federal organizations can do to achieve and maintain continuous compliance with FISMA and protect federal information systems.