FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity management
GLBA
U.S. law for financial privacy and data safeguards
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal agencies and contractors via NIST RMF, while GLBA requires privacy notices and security programs for financial institutions protecting NPI. Organizations adopt them for compliance, resilience, and market access.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act 2014
GLBA
Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA)
Key Features
- Privacy notices and opt-out rights for NPI sharing
- Written information security program with safeguards
- Qualified Individual designation and board reporting
- 30-day breach notification for 500+ consumers
- Service provider oversight and risk assessments
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) 2014 is a U.S. federal law mandating risk-based frameworks for protecting federal information and systems. It requires agencies to develop comprehensive security programs using the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), emphasizing continuous monitoring over static compliance.
Key Components
- **NIST RMF 7 stepsPrepare, Categorize (FIPS 199), Select/Implement (SP 800-53 controls), Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- Baselines tailored by low/moderate/high impact levels.
- POA&Ms, SSPs, annual IG evaluations, CISA/OMB metrics.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors handling federal data.
- Reduces breach risks, ensures resilience, enables contract eligibility.
- Builds stakeholder trust via standardized oversight; strategic market access.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF execution: inventory, gap analysis, control deployment, assessments. Applies to agencies, contractors, cloud providers; requires documentation, audits, ongoing monitoring. Scalable for enterprises/SMBs via automation.
GLBA Details
What It Is
The Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) is a U.S. federal regulation enacted in 1999. It establishes privacy and security standards for financial institutions handling nonpublic personal information (NPI). GLBA employs a risk-based approach through its Privacy Rule and Safeguards Rule, focusing on transparency, consumer choice, and data protection.
Key Components
- **Privacy Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 313)Mandates initial/annual notices and opt-out rights for nonaffiliated third-party sharing.
- **Safeguards Rule (16 C.F.R. Part 314)Requires a comprehensive information security program with administrative, technical, and physical safeguards; includes nine core elements like risk assessments and vendor oversight.
- **Pretexting ProvisionsProhibits obtaining information under false pretenses. Compliance is enforced by FTC for non-banks, with no formal certification but ongoing audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal obligations for covered entities (banks, lenders, tax firms).
- Mitigates enforcement risks (fines up to $100,000/violation).
- Enhances customer trust and operational resilience.
- Supports competitive differentiation via robust data governance.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping, risk assessment, policy development, technical controls, testing. Applies to broad financial activities; suits all sizes, U.S.-focused. Requires board reporting, no certification but evidence for regulators.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | GLBA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security programs | Financial institutions' NPI privacy/security |
| Industry | US federal agencies/contractors | Financial services (banks/non-banks) |
| Nature | Mandatory federal law/RMF framework | Mandatory law/Privacy & Safeguards Rules |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring/IG assessments | Risk assessments/penetration testing |
| Penalties | Contract loss/debarment/IG reports | Fines up to $100K/violation/enforcement |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and GLBA
FISMA FAQ
GLBA FAQ
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