Assessing Information Security Continuous Monitoring (ISCM) Programs:

Abstract

Authority 58 This publication has been developed by NIST in accordance with its statutory responsibilities under the 59 Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014, 44 U.S.C. § 3551 et seq., Public Law 60 (P.L.) 113-283. NIST is responsible for developing information security standards and guidelines, including 61 minimum requirements for federal information systems, but such standards and guidelines shall not apply 62 to national security systems without the express approval of appropriate federal officials exercising policy 63 authority over such systems. This guideline is consistent with the requirements of the Office of Management 64 and Budget (OMB) Circular A-130. 65 Nothing in this publication should be taken to contradict the standards and guidelines made mandatory and 66 binding on federal agencies by the Secretary of Commerce under statutory authority. Nor should these 67 guidelines be interpreted as altering or superseding the existing authorities of the Secretary of Commerce, 68 Director of the OMB, or any other federal official. This publication may be used by nongovernmental 69 organizations on a voluntary basis and is not subject to copyright in the United States. Attribution would, 70 however, be appreciated by NIST. There may be references in this publication to other publications currently under development by NIST in accordance 81 with its assigned statutory responsibilities. The information in this publication, including concepts and methodologies, 82 may be used by federal agencies even before the completion of such companion publications. Thus, until each 83 publication is completed, current requirements, guidelines, and procedures, where they exist, remain operative. For 84 planning and transition purposes, federal agencies may wish to closely follow the development of these new 85 publications by NIST. 86 Organizations are encouraged to review all draft publications during public comment periods and provide feedback to 87 NIST. Many NIST cybersecurity publications, other than the ones noted above, are available at 88 https://csrc.nist.gov/publications. 89 90

Assessing Information Security Continuous Monitoring in the Federal Government

“…An effective ISCM program maintains a picture of an organization's security posture, presents security-related data, and incorporates results to portray greater situational awareness (Mell et al, 2012;Dempsey et al, 2020). Through constant observation and analysis, ISCM provides visibility into assets, awareness of vulnerabilities and threats, and improves overall cyber situational awareness.…”