FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity management
ISO 28000
International standard for supply chain security management systems
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal systems via NIST RMF, while ISO 28000 provides voluntary management framework for global supply chain security. Agencies comply with FISMA for legal obligations; organizations adopt ISO 28000 for resilience and certification.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST Risk Management Framework lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and authorization
- Enforces FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- Applies to agencies and federal contractors
- Annual IG assessments and OMB oversight
ISO 28000
ISO 28000:2022 Security management systems — Requirements
Key Features
- Risk-based supply chain security assessment and treatment
- PDCA cycle for continual SMS improvement
- Leadership commitment and policy integration
- Controls for external providers and processes
- Alignment with ISO 31000 and 22301 standards
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 the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), focusing on confidentiality, integrity, and availability.
Key Components
- Seven-step RMF: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- NIST SP 800-53 controls tailored by FIPS 199 impact levels.
- Continuous monitoring via SP 800-137; annual IG evaluations and OMB/CISA metrics.
- Compliance through ATO and POA&Ms.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid penalties, debarment, and funding loss. It reduces breach risks, enables market access, builds trust, and aligns cybersecurity with missions for resilience and efficiency.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF execution: governance, inventory, controls deployment, assessments. Applies to all federal civilian agencies, contractors handling federal data; requires ongoing audits, no central certification but agency ATOs. Scales from small contractors to large enterprises (12-24 months typical).
ISO 28000 Details
What It Is
ISO 28000:2022 is an international standard specifying requirements for security management systems (SMS) focused on supply chain security. It provides a risk-based framework using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle to manage threats like theft, sabotage, and disruptions.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, and improvement.
- Emphasizes risk assessment (aligned with ISO 31000), operational controls, and security plans.
- Built on harmonized ISO structure for integration; supports certification via ISO 28003.
Why Organizations Use It
- Reduces security incidents and enhances resilience.
- Meets contractual, regulatory, and insurance needs.
- Builds stakeholder trust and market access.
- Provides competitive edge in logistics and manufacturing.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, risk assessment, controls deployment, audits.
- Applicable to all sizes/industries; certification optional but common via Stage 1/2 audits.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | ISO 28000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security | Supply chain security management |
| Industry | US federal agencies/contractors | All sectors worldwide |
| Nature | Mandatory US law | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG audits | Internal audits, certification audits |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment | Loss of certification |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and ISO 28000
FISMA FAQ
ISO 28000 FAQ
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