FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity programs
IATF 16949
International standard for automotive quality management systems.
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates cybersecurity for US federal systems via NIST RMF, while IATF 16949 certifies automotive QMS with core tools for defect prevention. Agencies comply for legal obligations; suppliers adopt for OEM contracts and market access.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST Risk Management Framework lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics program
- Enforces FIPS 199 risk-based system categorization
- Demands annual independent Inspector General assessments
- Applies to federal agencies and contractors
IATF 16949
IATF 16949:2016
Key Features
- Mandates AIAG core tools (APQP, FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC)
- Top management non-delegable QMS responsibility
- Risk-based thinking with contingency planning
- Supplier development and second-party audits
- Product safety processes and CSRs integration
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 of 2014 (FISMA) is a U.S. federal law establishing a risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It mandates agency-wide information security programs using NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)—a 7-step process: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
Key Components
- Core pillars: risk assessments, NIST SP 800-53 controls, FIPS 199 categorization.
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, Inspectors General with annual metrics.
- Continuous monitoring via CDM; incident reporting.
- Compliance through ATOs, SSPs, POA&Ms; maturity levels 1-5.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid penalties, IG downgrades, contract loss. Benefits: reduces breaches, enables FedRAMP cloud, builds resilience, opens markets. Enhances executive risk decisions, stakeholder trust.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF approach: inventory, categorize, implement controls, assess, authorize, monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors handling federal data; high complexity for large/federated orgs. Requires audits, automation; 18-24 months typical.
IATF 16949 Details
What It Is
IATF 16949:2016 is the international quality management system (QMS) standard for automotive production and relevant service parts, building on ISO 9001:2015 with sector-specific requirements. Its primary purpose is defect prevention, variation reduction, and waste elimination in the automotive supply chain, using a process-based, risk-thinking approach aligned with PDCA.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 mirroring ISO 9001, plus automotive additions like core tools (APQP, FMEA, PPAP, MSA, SPC, Control Plans).
- Over 30 supplemental requirements on product safety, supplier management, CSRs, and warranty systems.
- Certification via IATF-recognized bodies with staged audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets OEM contractual demands for supply chain access.
- Reduces COPQ, warranty costs, and recalls via prevention.
- Enhances competitiveness and stakeholder trust through rigorous governance.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, core tool deployment, training, audits.
- Applies to automotive sites/suppliers globally; 12-18 months typical.
- Requires leadership commitment, process owners, and evidence-based audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | IATF 16949 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security via NIST RMF | Automotive QMS with core tools, defect prevention |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors | Global automotive suppliers, OEMs |
| Nature | Mandatory US law, risk-based framework | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG annual assessments | Third-party certification audits, core tools |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, IG reports | Loss of certification, OEM contract exclusion |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and IATF 16949
FISMA FAQ
IATF 16949 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The Service-Oriented SOC: Leveraging Maturity Assessments to Guarantee SLOs and Operational Predictability
Transform your SOC into a service provider using maturity assessments to standardize workflows, guarantee SLOs, and ensure predictability amid turnover and risi
CMMC Level 3 Implementation Guide: Integrating NIST SP 800-172 Enhanced Controls for APT Defense
Step-by-step CMMC Level 3 guide for DIB contractors. Implement 24 NIST SP 800-172 controls on Level 2. Prep for DIBCAC, C3PAO scoping & 180-day POA&Ms. Boost cy
The Tool Landscape for Reaching and Maintaining ISO 27701 Compliance
Discover the top tools for ISO 27701 compliance. Compare functionality, complexity, costs, and benefits to choose the best solution for your privacy program. Ac
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
COBIT vs 23 NYCRR 500
Compare COBIT vs 23 NYCRR 500: Align ISACA's IT governance framework with NYDFS cybersecurity rules. Map objectives, tailor controls, boost compliance. Expert insights inside!
AEO vs ISO 56002
AEO vs ISO 56002: Compare customs security certification with innovation management guidance. Unlock requirements, benefits & strategies for trade facilitation & growth. Dive in!
NIST CSF vs ISO 28000
Discover NIST CSF vs ISO 28000: Cyber risk framework meets supply chain security std. Compare structures, benefits & use cases to pick the best for resilience today.