FISMA
U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity
ISO 27701
International standard for privacy information management systems
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal agencies and contractors via NIST RMF, while ISO 27701 provides voluntary PIMS certification for global privacy governance. Agencies comply with FISMA legally; others adopt 27701 for auditable PII accountability and market trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step lifecycle process
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Enforces risk-based FIPS 199 categorization
- Demands annual IG independent assessments
- Mandates real-time incident reporting
ISO 27701
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 Privacy Information Management System
Key Features
- Establishes Privacy Information Management System (PIMS)
- Role-specific controls for PII controllers and processors
- Integrates with ISO 27001 ISMS via shared clauses
- Risk-based privacy assessments including data subject impacts
- Auditable evidence for GDPR and privacy law compliance
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 establishing a risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It mandates agency-wide security programs focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability, using the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).
Key Components
- **NIST RMF 7 stepsPrepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- FIPS 199 categorization and NIST SP 800-53 controls.
- Continuous monitoring, incident reporting, and IG annual assessments.
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid penalties, debarment. It reduces risks, enables market access, builds resilience, and aligns cybersecurity with missions.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF application: inventory, categorize, implement controls, assess, authorize, monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors; requires audits, POA&Ms. Scalable for large/small orgs via automation.
ISO 27701 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27701:2025 is the international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS). It extends the ISO 27001 information security framework with privacy-specific requirements, using a risk-based, PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) approach for managing PII processing risks.
Key Components
- Clauses 4–10 mirroring ISO management systems, plus Annex A (PII controllers) and Annex B (PII processors) with role-specific controls.
- Over 50 privacy controls covering governance, risk assessment, DSAR handling, consent, retention, and third-party management.
- Mappings to GDPR (Annex D) and other standards.
- Certification via accredited bodies with 3-year cycles and annual surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Demonstrates accountability for global privacy laws like GDPR, reducing fines and risks.
- Builds trust with stakeholders, aids procurement, and enables competitive differentiation.
- Integrates privacy into security governance for efficiency.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scope PII flows, gap analysis, controls deployment, audits.
- Suited for all sizes processing PII; 6-12 months typical with ISMS.
- Requires internal audits, management reviews, and evidence like RoPA.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | ISO 27701 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security, RMF lifecycle | Privacy management system, PII controls |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors, DIB | Any PII-processing orgs, global sectors |
| Nature | US federal law, mandatory for agencies | Voluntary international certification standard |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG annual assessments | 3-year certification, annual surveillance audits |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, OMB directives | No legal penalties, certification loss only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and ISO 27701
FISMA FAQ
ISO 27701 FAQ
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