FISMA
U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity programs
ISO 27017
International code of practice for cloud security controls.
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based security for US federal agencies via NIST RMF, while ISO 27017 provides voluntary cloud-specific controls extending ISO 27001 globally. Agencies comply with FISMA legally; organizations adopt ISO 27017 for cloud assurance and procurement trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Risk-based NIST RMF 7-step lifecycle process
- Continuous monitoring and ongoing system authorization
- FIPS 199 impact-based system categorization
- Tailored NIST SP 800-53 security controls
- Annual IG independent evaluations and metrics
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud security
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Introduces 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls in cloud
- Addresses multi-tenancy and VM segregation risks
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud services
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 systems. It mandates agency-wide information security programs using NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) for confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Key Components
- NIST RMF 7 steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- FIPS 199 categorization (Low/Moderate/High impact); NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families).
- Continuous monitoring, POA&Ms, SSPs; annual IG evaluations with maturity metrics aligned to NIST CSF.
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, Congress.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid penalties, debarment, funding loss. Provides risk reduction, resilience, market access (e.g., FedRAMP). Builds trust, enables strategic cybersecurity alignment, differentiates vendors.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF approach: governance/inventory, categorize/select controls, implement/assess/authorize, continuous monitoring. Applies to agencies, contractors handling federal data; high complexity for large/federated orgs. Requires independent audits, no formal certification but ongoing ATOs.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is an international code of practice providing guidance on information security controls for cloud services. It extends ISO/IEC 27002 with cloud-specific implementations, targeting shared responsibilities between cloud service providers (CSPs) and customers (CSCs). Adopts a risk-based approach within ISO 27001 ISMS frameworks, applicable to IaaS, PaaS, SaaS across public, private, hybrid clouds.
Key Components
- Cloud-specific guidance for 37 ISO 27002 controls
- 7 additional CLD controls (e.g., shared responsibilities CLD.6.3.1, VM segregation CLD.9.5.1)
- Built on ISO 27001 baseline
- No standalone certification; integrated into ISO 27001 audits
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud risks like multi-tenancy, virtualization
- Meets procurement, regulatory demands (e.g., GDPR alignment)
- Enhances risk management, stakeholder trust
- Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs/CSCs
Implementation Overview
- Extend existing ISO 27001 ISMS via risk assessment, control mapping
- Key steps: define responsibilities, configure monitoring/segregation, audit preparation
- Suits all sizes/industries globally; joint audits 9-12 months
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems, NIST RMF, continuous monitoring | Cloud-specific security controls, shared responsibility |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors, government-focused | Global CSPs, customers, all cloud-using organizations |
| Nature | US federal law, mandatory for agencies, NIST-based | Voluntary ISO guidance, extends 27001/27002 |
| Testing | Annual IG audits, continuous monitoring, RMF assessments | Integrated in ISO 27001 audits, no standalone cert |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, IG reports, funding cuts | No legal penalties, loss of certification/trust |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and ISO 27017
FISMA FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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