What is required from federal agencies regarding information system re-authorization?

Federal agencies are required to re-authorize their information systems at least every three years as part of the continuous risk management and information security assessment process. This mandate aligns with guidelines established by the Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) and related frameworks that aim to ensure that information systems are secure and compliant with federal standards. By conducting re-authorization every three years, agencies can effectively evaluate their systems for any vulnerabilities, changes in security posture, and compliance with policies, helping to mitigate risks associated with information security.

While annual reviews or re-authorizations could ensure quicker updates, they are not the standard requirement. Re-authorizing every five years might not be frequent enough to adequately address evolving security challenges. Additionally, relying solely on re-authorization after significant changes could leave systems vulnerable during periods of stability. Hence, the three-year cycle represents a balanced approach to managing information security within federal agencies.