FISMA also requires OMB to report annually to Congress by  March 1. Since the enactment of FISMA in 2002, federal agencies have generally  reported increasing rates of implementation for key information security  activities. However, in fiscal year 2009, agencies reported mixed progress  in implementing these activities compared to fiscal year 2008. Until these agencies fully implement information security  requirements, they may be at increased risk of unauthorized disclosure,  modification, and destruction of information or disruption of mission  critical operations. 2). Most of the 24  major federal agencies had reported deficiencies in the following major  categories of information security controls, as defined by our Federal  Information System Controls Audit Manual:    access controls, which ensure that only authorized individuals can read,  alter, or delete data;    configuration management controls, which provide assurance that only  authorized software programs are implemented;    segregation of duties, which reduces the risk that one individual can  independently perform inappropriate actions without detection;    continuity of operations planning, which provides for the prevention of  significant disruptions of computer-dependent operations; and    an agencywide information security program, which provides the  framework for ensuring that risks are understood and that effective  controls are selected and properly implemented. An underlying cause for information security weaknesses identified at  federal agencies is that they have not yet fully or effectively implemented  key elements of an agencywide information security program, as required  by FISMA. According to inspector  general, agency, and our previous reports, 23 of the 24 major federal  agencies had weaknesses in their agencywide information security  programs. Reported Security Incidents Are on the Rise

Consistent with the evolving and growing nature of the threats and  persistent vulnerabilities to federal systems, agencies are reporting an  increasing number of security incidents and events. Reported attacks and unintentional incidents involving  critical infrastructure systems demonstrate that a serious attack could be  devastating. Opportunities Exist for Enhancing Federal Cybersecurity

A concerted response to safeguarding federal systems includes several  components. Over the past several years, we and agency inspectors general have made  hundreds of recommendations to resolve significant control deficiencies  and information security program shortfalls. Continue Efforts to Improve Reporting and Oversight

FISMA specifies that OMB is to develop policies, principles, standards, and  guidelines on information security. Continue to Enhance Federal Information Security through Governmentwide Initiatives

The White House, OMB, and certain federal agencies have undertaken  several governmentwide initiatives that are intended to enhance  information security at federal agencies. Continue efforts to implement FDCC. In summary, while federal agencies continue to report increased  compliance in implementing security training requirements, most federal  agencies reported weaknesses in most types of information security  controls. There are multiple opportunities for the federal government to enhance  federal cybersecurity and address these continuing weaknesses.
Why GAO Did This Study

Without proper safeguards, federal computer systems are vulnerable to intrusions by individuals who have malicious intentions and can obtain sensitive information. The need for a vigilant approach to information security has been demonstrated by the pervasive and sustained cyber attacks against the United States; these attacks continue to pose a potentially devastating impact to systems as well as the operations and critical infrastructures that they support. Concerned by reports of weaknesses in federal systems, Congress passed the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), which authorized and strengthened information security program, evaluation, and annual reporting requirements for federal agencies. GAO was asked to testify on federal information security and agency efforts to comply with FISMA. This testimony summarizes (1) federal agencies' efforts to secure information systems and (2) opportunities to enhance federal cybersecurity. To prepare for this testimony, GAO analyzed its prior reports and those from 24 major federal agencies, their inspectors general, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB).

What GAO Found

Federal agencies have reported mixed progress in securing their systems and implementing key security activities. For example, in fiscal year 2009, agencies collectively reported an increasing percentage of personnel receiving security awareness training and specialized security training, but a decreasing rate of implementation for other key activities when compared to fiscal year 2008. In addition, federal systems continued to be afflicted by persistent control weaknesses. Almost all of the 24 major federal agencies had information security weaknesses in five key control categories, as illustrated in the figure below. An underlying cause for information security weaknesses identified at federal agencies is that they have not yet fully or effectively implemented key elements of an agencywide information security program, as required by FISMA. As a result, they may be at increased risk of unauthorized disclosure, modification, and destruction of information or disruption of mission critical operations. Such risks are illustrated, in part, by the increasing number of security incidents experienced by federal agencies. Opportunities exist to enhance federal cybersecurity through a concerted response to safeguarding systems that include several components. First, agencies can implement the hundreds of recommendations GAO and inspectors general have made to resolve control deficiencies and information security program shortfalls. In addition, OMB's continued efforts to improve reporting and oversight as recommended by GAO could help assess agency programs. Finally, the White House, OMB, and certain federal agencies have undertaken several governmentwide initiatives that are intended to enhance information security at federal agencies.