Which document defines standards for categorizing information and information systems?

The correct answer is the document that outlines the standards for categorizing information and information systems, which is FIPS 199. This Federal Information Processing Standard provides a systematic approach to characterizing and categorizing the impact that loss of confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information and information systems may have on an organization. It assists in deducing the appropriate security controls needed based on the level of risk associated with different categories of data.

While NIST 800-30 focuses on risk management and guidance for conducting risk assessments, and FIPS 200 provides minimum security requirements for federal information and information systems, neither directly defines the categorization standards as FIPS 199 does. CNSS Instruction 1253 relates to the risk management framework but is not specifically aimed at categorizing information or systems. Thus, FIPS 199 is crucial for establishing a foundation for how organizations should assess the sensitivity and criticality of their information and systems, enabling the effective allocation of resources to secure them appropriately.