FISMA
U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity programs
ISO 20000
International standard for service management systems
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal agencies and contractors via NIST RMF, while ISO 20000 is a voluntary global standard for service management systems. Agencies comply with FISMA legally; service providers adopt ISO 20000 for certification, efficiency, and market trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Enforces agency-wide security programs
- Demands real-time major incident reporting
- Imposes independent IG annual assessments
ISO 20000
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 Service management system requirements
Key Features
- Annex SL structure enables ISO integration
- Full service lifecycle operational controls
- PDCA-driven continual improvement mandatory
- Top management leadership accountability
- Multi-supplier and risk-based governance
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 risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It mandates agency-wide information security programs using NIST RMF (7-step process: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor) for confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Key Components
- NIST SP 800-53 controls (tailored baselines for low/moderate/high impact via FIPS 199)
- Continuous monitoring (SP 800-137), SSPs, POA&Ms, ATOs
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs with annual metrics aligned to NIST CSF
- Incident reporting and privacy integration (SAOP role)
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for federal agencies/contractors; reduces breach risks, enables market access (e.g., FedRAMP). Builds resilience, efficiency, executive risk decisions; noncompliance risks debarment, funding loss.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF lifecycle; inventory, categorize, controls, assess/authorize, monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors (cloud/DIB); requires audits, automation for scale. (178 words)
ISO 20000 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 20000-1:2018 is the international certifiable standard for service management systems (SMS). It specifies auditable requirements to plan, implement, operate, and improve services across their lifecycle, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach aligned with Annex SL high-level structure.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Clause 8 details operational domains: service portfolio, relationships, supply/demand, design/transition, resolution/fulfilment, assurance.
- Built on ITIL best practices; certifiable via accredited audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives service reliability, customer trust, and risk reduction (e.g., 50% certificate growth).
- Enables market differentiation, integration with ISO 9001/27001.
- Meets procurement demands; improves efficiency (69% trust boost per BSI).
Implementation Overview
- Phased: gap analysis, design, deployment, audits (Stage 1/2, surveillance).
- Applies to any service provider size/industry; requires leadership, training, tooling.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | ISO 20000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info security & systems | Service management systems lifecycle |
| Industry | US federal agencies & contractors | All service providers globally |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal law | Voluntary certifiable standard |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring & IG audits | Stage 1/2 audits & surveillance |
| Penalties | Contract loss & debarment | Certification loss only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and ISO 20000
FISMA FAQ
ISO 20000 FAQ
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