Data Guardian

Announcing a step-by-step guide to the CMS Risk Management Framework

What is the RMF?

The Risk Management Framework (RMF) from NIST provides a structured yet flexible process for managing risk throughout a system’s life cycle. It plays a key role in the steps we take at CMS to authorize and continuously monitor our information systems and keep them safe. The specific ways we apply these steps at CMS is known as the CMS Risk Management Framework (RMF).

New handbook: Media Protection (MP)

Why we have an MP policy

The ISPG Policy team published the new Media Protection (MP) Handbook early in September 2024.

Media Protection exists to protect media within an organization, and the definition of media is fairly broad: all physical devices, writing surfaces, and communication channels that include storage capabilities. Whether the communication is digital or in print and on paper, the MP policy covers proper handling and governance.

CMS Media Protection (MP) Handbook

What is Media Protection (MP)?

Media Protection (MP) is the safeguarding of media within an organization. The term “media” broadly refers to physical devices or writing surfaces. This includes all channels of communication with storage capabilities — everything from printed paper to digital data onto which information is recorded, stored, or printed within an information system. 

GitHub Secret Scanning: Enhancing security, ARS compliance, and Zero Trust

In today's cybersecurity landscape, protecting sensitive information is crucial, especially for organizations working with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). GitHub Secret Scanning has emerged as a valuable tool in this effort, not only enhancing security but also aiding in meeting various requirements within the Zero Trust Applications Pillar and the Acceptable Risk Safeguards (ARS) controls.

New IS2P2 updates: What you need to know

The ISPG Policy team regularly revisits the CMS Information Systems Security & Privacy Policy (IS2P2) to incorporate new information, update language, and keep the document up to date.

The most recent revisions came out in June 2024. We’ve called out and clearly identified the six big changes so you can quickly and easily understand what’s new and how it might affect your work.

List of updates

The IS2P2 updates address several gaps:

Top 5 cybersecurity trends for 2024

Background

The cybersecurity field is ever-evolving, with new threats and technologies emerging constantly. Staying informed about these trends is crucial for protecting our systems and data at CMS.

What is the News?

In this post, we'll explore the top 5 emerging trends in cybersecurity that are transforming how we defend against cyber threats. Understanding these trends will help you stay ahead in the rapidly changing digital security landscape.

Cyber360 May - Navigating cybersecurity as a family

Tips for families to stay safe online

This month's focus for Cyber360 is navigating cybersecurity as a family. In the digital age, where every household gadget can connect to the internet, cybersecurity is no longer just an individual concern—it's a family affair. From toddlers who can navigate a tablet before they can walk to grandparents who've embraced video calling with gusto, everyone's online. This interconnectedness, while bringing families closer, also opens up new vulnerabilities to cyber-attacks.