FISMA
U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity programs
GDPR UK
UK regulation for personal data protection compliance
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based security for US federal systems via NIST RMF, while GDPR UK enforces personal data protection principles with strict fines. Federal entities use FISMA for compliance; UK firms adopt GDPR UK to avoid massive penalties and build trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk management lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics program
- Categorizes systems by FIPS 199 impact levels
- Extends requirements to federal contractors and vendors
- Enforces annual independent IG maturity assessments
GDPR UK
UK General Data Protection Regulation
Key Features
- Seven core data processing principles
- Enforceable data subject rights regime
- Accountability requiring demonstrable compliance
- Mandatory DPIAs for high-risk processing
- 72-hour ICO breach notification rule
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
FISMA Details
What It Is
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) of 2014 is a U.S. federal law establishing a mandatory, risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It modernizes the 2002 act, emphasizing continuous monitoring over static compliance, using NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) with seven steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
Key Components
- Core pillars: agency-wide security programs, FIPS 199 categorization (low/moderate/high impact), NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families).
- Built on CIA triad (confidentiality, integrity, availability); integrates privacy via SAOP roles.
- Compliance model: annual IG evaluations, maturity levels (1-5), OMB/CISA metrics reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid IG downgrades, contract loss, debarment. Provides risk reduction, resilience, market access (e.g., FedRAMP for cloud), operational efficiency via automation.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF approach: inventory, gap analysis, control deployment, continuous monitoring. Applies to agencies, contractors handling federal data; complex for federated/large orgs. Requires ATOs, POA&Ms, no central certification but IG audits.
GDPR UK Details
What It Is
The UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR) is the United Kingdom's post-Brexit data protection law, adapting EU GDPR through the Data Protection Act 2018. It is a binding regulation applying a risk-based, accountability-focused approach to personal data processing by controllers and processors.
Key Components
- **Seven core principleslawfulness/fairness/transparency, purpose limitation, data minimisation, accuracy, storage limitation, integrity/confidentiality, accountability.
- Individual data subject rights (access, rectification, erasure, portability, objection).
- Obligations including RoPAs, DPIAs, processor contracts, 72-hour breach notifications to ICO.
- Enforcement via fines up to £17.5 million or 4% global turnover.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for UK data handlers; mitigates fines, civil claims.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enables secure innovation.
- Reduces breach risks, supports competitive data strategies.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: governance setup, data mapping/RoPA, policies/training, DPIAs/security, audits. Applies to all sizes/geographies handling UK data; ICO-led compliance, no formal certification.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | GDPR UK |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security | Personal data protection |
| Industry | US federal agencies/contractors | All UK data processors |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal law | Mandatory UK regulation |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring RMF | DPIAs high-risk processing |
| Penalties | Contract loss/debarment | £17.5M or 4% turnover fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and GDPR UK
FISMA FAQ
GDPR UK FAQ
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