Understanding FICAM: Frequently Asked Questions

Understanding FICAM: Frequently Asked Questions

1. What is the FICAM Program?

The FICAM Program, managed by the GSA Office of Government-wide Policy, assists federal agencies in planning and implementing enterprise identity, credentialing, and access management (ICAM). It provides guidance on IT policy, standards, and architecture, fostering collaboration across agencies.

2. How Does FICAM Differ from Agency ICAM Programs?

The GSA OGP FICAM program focuses on government-wide initiatives that promote interoperability between organizations. Unlike agency-specific ICAM programs, it ensures consistency and alignment across federal entities.

3. What Are the Four Parts of the FICAM Framework?

The FICAM Program operates within a four-part framework for identity federations:

  1. Governance: Sets policies, approves members, and oversees compliance activities.

  2. Technical and Security Requirements: Defines technical and security standards for all members.

  3. Recognition: Lists compliant services and workforce identity trust providers.

  4. Compliance: Ensures members and services meet compliance requirements

4. What Are Some Key Functions of the FICAM Program?

The FICAM Program leads or coordinates several government-wide functions:

  • ICAM Governance: Maintains idmanagement.gov, oversees the Federal CISO Council ICAM Subcommittee, and drives initiatives like the FIDO2 Community of Action.

  • Federal PKI Governance: Reviews third-party PKI audits and manages the Federal PKI Policy Authority.

  • Technical and Security Requirements: Includes FIPS 201 and NIST Special Publication 800-63.

  • Recognition: Lists workforce identity trust services and FIPS 201 Approved Products.

  • Compliance: Involves the FIPS 201 Evaluation Program and the Federal PKI Annual Review Process.

5. Why Is FICAM Important?

FICAM ensures secure access to protected resources, allowing government agencies to grant appropriate individuals access to the right resources at the right time for valid reasons. Compliance with FICAM requirements is crucial for maintaining security and trust in federal systems

Conclusion

FICAM plays a pivotal role in shaping federal ICAM strategies, emphasizing security, interoperability, and compliance. As agencies continue to evolve, understanding FICAM becomes essential for safeguarding critical assets and ensuring efficient operations 🌟

For more detailed information, you can visit the official FICAM Program website

Alaina FordComment