What is the primary goal of FISMA concerning federal agencies and their external partners?

The primary goal of FISMA, or the Federal Information Security Management Act, is to ensure cybersecurity requirements for federal agencies and their external partners. This legislation establishes a framework for managing and securing government information and systems against various threats, emphasizing the importance of cybersecurity in protecting sensitive government data.

FISMA mandates that federal agencies develop, document, and implement an information security program that addresses risks and ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of information and systems. By setting forth these requirements, FISMA aims to enhance the overall security posture of federal agencies and the entities they collaborate with, thereby promoting a unified approach to cybersecurity across government operations.

While facilitating data sharing, mandating cloud computing, and promoting open-source software may contribute to the broader conversation about technology use in government, they are not the central focus of FISMA's objectives. The act's main purpose revolves around establishing stringent cybersecurity protocols to safeguard governmental information, making it clear that the core concern lies with security rather than the specific technologies employed.