Why was HSPD-12 issued?
HSPD-12 was issued to enhance security, increase Government efficiency, reduce identity fraud and protect personal privacy through secure and reliable identification. On August 5, 2005, OMB provided specific instructions and deadlines to Federal Departments and agencies to comply with HSPD-12 and FIPS 201 in a Memorandum to the Heads of all Departments and Agencies. In that memorandum OMB explains “Inconsistent agency approaches to facility security and computer security are inefficient and costly, and increase risks to the Federal government. Successful implementation of the Directive and the Standard will increase the security of your Federal facilities and information systems.
