OMB POLICY STATEMENTS
OMB: Modest Gains in Federal Cyber Security
"Federal government agencies have improved their overall computer and network security over the past year, but many agencies are still not doing enough to secure their systems against viruses and other cyber attacks, according to an annual report released by The White House last week.

The White House's Office of Management and Budget issued the findings as part of its yearly review of how well agencies are meeting the standards set forth in the Federal Information Security Management Act (FISMA), which establishes specific requirements for information security programs at federal agencies. Lawmakers in the U.S. House have used OMB's findings for the past several years to issue 'computer security report cards' to federal agencies. Last year, the House Government Reform Committee awarded federal agencies a combined grade of 'D-plus' for security in 2004, up from a 'D' in 2003. Another round of report cards are likely to be issued later this month."