FISMA
U.S. law mandating risk-based federal cybersecurity framework
AS9120B
Aerospace QMS standard for parts distributors.
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal agencies and contractors via NIST RMF, ensuring compliance and resilience. AS9120B certifies aerospace distributors' quality systems for traceability and counterfeit prevention. Organizations adopt FISMA for legal obligations, AS9120B for market access.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk management lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and ongoing authorization
- Enforces FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- Applies to agencies and federal contractors alike
- Features OMB/DHS oversight and IG assessments
AS9120B
AS9120B: Quality Management Systems for Distributors
Key Features
- Prevents counterfeit and suspected unapproved parts
- Ensures robust product traceability and chain-of-custody
- Strengthens external provider evaluation and controls
- Mandates configuration management for distribution
- Requires product safety and ethical behavior awareness
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
FISMA Details
What It Is
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014 is a U.S. federal law providing a risk-based framework for securing federal information and systems. It modernizes the 2002 act, mandating comprehensive agency-wide information security programs aligned with NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) to ensure confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Key Components
- **7-step RMFPrepare, Categorize (FIPS 199), Select/Implement (SP 800-53), Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- Continuous diagnostics and mitigation (CDM) for ongoing control effectiveness.
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families) tailored by impact level.
- Annual IG evaluations using maturity models (Levels 1-5) and OMB/CISA metrics.
Why Organizations Use It
FISMA is legally required for federal agencies and contractors handling federal data, preventing noncompliance penalties like contract loss or debarment. It reduces breach risks, enhances resilience, enables federal market access, and builds stakeholder trust through rigorous oversight.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF execution: governance setup, inventory/categorization, control deployment, assessments, ATOs, continuous monitoring. Applies to agencies, contractors, cloud providers; requires SSPs, POA&Ms, audits. Scalable for large enterprises or smaller vendors via FedRAMP.
AS9120B Details
What It Is
AS9120B is the IAQG quality management system standard for aerospace distributors, based on ISO 9001:2015's high-level structure. It ensures organizations procuring, storing, and reselling parts without alteration maintain traceability, prevent counterfeits, and control risks via a risk-based approach.
Key Components
- Over 100 aerospace-specific requirements beyond ISO 9001.
- Core areas: context analysis, leadership, planning, support, operations (traceability, counterfeit prevention, supplier controls), evaluation, improvement.
- Built on PDCA cycle; requires documented information, internal audits, management review.
- Certification via accredited bodies, OASIS listing.
Why Organizations Use It
- Commercial necessity for OEM/Tier-1 supply chains.
- Mitigates risks like traceability loss, counterfeits.
- Enhances market access, customer trust, operational efficiency.
- Builds reputation in aviation, space, defense sectors.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, process design, training, audits (6-12 months typical).
- Applies to distributors globally; scales by size.
- Involves cross-functional teams, risk registers, certification audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | AS9120B |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info security risk management | Aerospace distribution quality management |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors | Aerospace parts distributors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal law | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG assessments | Certification audits, internal audits |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, IG reports | Loss of certification, market exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and AS9120B
FISMA FAQ
AS9120B FAQ
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