Standards Comparison

    FISMA

    Mandatory
    2014

    U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity programs

    VS

    ISO 22000

    Voluntary
    2018

    International standard for food safety management systems

    Quick Verdict

    FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal agencies and contractors via NIST RMF, ensuring compliance and resilience. ISO 22000 provides voluntary FSMS certification for global food organizations using HACCP and PRPs to guarantee safe products.

    Cybersecurity

    FISMA

    Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Mandates NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF)
    • Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
    • Enforces agency-wide security programs
    • Demands real-time incident reporting
    • Provides IG independent annual assessments
    Food Safety

    ISO 22000

    ISO 22000:2018 Food safety management systems

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • High-Level Structure (HLS) for system integration
    • Dual PDCA cycles for strategic/operational control
    • PRP, OPRP, CCP hazard categorization
    • Interactive communication across food chain
    • Risk-based HACCP with validation/verification

    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 (20 families, baselines per FIPS 199 impact levels)
    • Continuous monitoring via SP 800-137
    • System Security Plans (SSPs), POA&Ms, ATOs
    • Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs with annual metrics and maturity models

    Why Organizations Use It

    Federal agencies and contractors comply to avoid penalties, debarment; gain resilience, market access (e.g., FedRAMP). Builds trust, reduces breach risks, aligns with mission outcomes.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased RMF approach: inventory, categorize, implement controls, assess, authorize, monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors; requires audits, reporting. Scalable for large/small orgs via automation.

    ISO 22000 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 22000:2018 is the international standard for Food Safety Management Systems (FSMS), a certifiable framework for organizations in the food chain. Its primary purpose is to ensure safe food through hazard prevention, regulatory compliance, and effective communication. It employs a risk-based approach with High-Level Structure (HLS) and integrates HACCP principles via dual PDCA cycles.

    Key Components

    • Clauses 4–10: context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • Core elements: PRPs, hazard analysis, CCPs/OPRPs, traceability, verification, withdrawal/recall.
    • Built on Codex HACCP and management system discipline.
    • Voluntary certification model via accredited bodies.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Meets statutory/customer requirements; reduces recalls, risks.
    • Enables market access, GFSI schemes like FSSC 22000.
    • Builds stakeholder trust, integrates with ISO 9001/14001.
    • Enhances resilience, efficiency, reputation.

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: gap analysis, PRPs/hazard plans, training, audits.
    • Applies to all food chain entities, scalable by size.
    • Requires internal audits, management reviews; certification audits (stages 1–2).

    Key Differences

    Scope

    FISMA
    Federal information systems security
    ISO 22000
    Food safety management systems

    Industry

    FISMA
    US federal agencies, contractors
    ISO 22000
    Global food chain organizations

    Nature

    FISMA
    Mandatory US federal law
    ISO 22000
    Voluntary certification standard

    Testing

    FISMA
    Continuous monitoring, IG audits
    ISO 22000
    Internal audits, certification audits

    Penalties

    FISMA
    Contract loss, debarment
    ISO 22000
    Loss of certification

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about FISMA and ISO 22000

    FISMA FAQ

    ISO 22000 FAQ

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