NOTICE: Due to a lapse in annual appropriations, most of this website is not being updated. Learn more.
Form submissions will still be accepted but will not receive responses at this time. Sections of this site for programs using non-appropriated funds (such as NVLAP) or those that are excepted from the shutdown (such as CHIPS and NVD) will continue to be updated.
An official website of the United States government
Here’s how you know
Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock (
) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems: Guidance for Selecting Cost-Effective Controls Using a Risk-Based Approach
Published
Author(s)
Shirley M. Radack
Abstract
This ITL Bulletin summarizes NIST SP 800-53, Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems and discusses the use of SP 800-53 within the context of federal agency information security programs. The bulletin covers SP 800-53 and Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA) requirements, how to implement an effective information security program, using a risk-based approach to selecting controls, and a catalog of security controls.
Federal Information Processing Standards, Federal Information Security Management Act, FISMA, information security, information system security, minimum security requirements, NIST Special Publications, risk management, Risk Management Framework, security categorization, security controls
Radack, S.
(2005),
Recommended Security Controls for Federal Information Systems: Guidance for Selecting Cost-Effective Controls Using a Risk-Based Approach, ITL Bulletin, National Institute of Standards and Technology, Gaithersburg, MD, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=150229
(Accessed October 13, 2025)