FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity management
ISO 31000
International guidelines for risk management principles.
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates cybersecurity for US federal systems via NIST RMF, ensuring compliance through audits. ISO 31000 offers voluntary risk management principles globally. Agencies adopt FISMA for legal requirements; others use ISO 31000 for strategic resilience.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk management lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Categorizes systems by FIPS 199 impact levels
- Extends requirements to federal contractors
- Enforces annual IG independent assessments
ISO 31000
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines
Key Features
- Eight principles for integrated risk management
- Leadership commitment and governance framework
- Iterative process: identify, assess, treat, monitor
- Customizable to any organization or sector
- Emphasis on culture and continual improvement
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 modernizes the 2002 act, mandating agency-wide security programs using NIST RMF 7-step process: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
Key Components
- Integrates FIPS 199 categorization and NIST SP 800-53 controls.
- Emphasizes continuous monitoring, incident reporting.
- Oversight via OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs with maturity metrics.
- No certification; compliance through annual evaluations.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply legally; reduces breach risks, enables market access. Builds resilience, efficiency; differentiates vendors via FedRAMP alignment.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF application: inventory, categorize, controls, assess, authorize, monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors; high complexity for large/federated orgs. Involves SSPs, POA&Ms, IG audits.
ISO 31000 Details
What It Is
ISO 31000:2018 Risk management — Guidelines is an international, non-certifiable framework providing principles, structure, and process for managing uncertainty's effect on objectives. It applies sector-agnostically to systematically identify, assess, treat, monitor, and communicate risks.
Key Components
- **Eight principlesintegrated, structured, customized, inclusive, dynamic, best information, human/cultural factors, continual improvement.
- **Frameworkleadership commitment, integration, design, implementation, evaluation, improvement.
- **Processscope/context, risk assessment (identification/analysis/evaluation), treatment, monitoring/review, recording/reporting. No fixed controls; principles-based and flexible.
Why Organizations Use It
- Drives strategic decisions, resilience, value creation/protection.
- Aligns with regulations indirectly (e.g., Basel III).
- Reduces losses, enhances efficiency, builds trust.
- Competitive edge via risk-opportunity nexus, innovation.
Implementation Overview
Phased: diagnose/design, build/deploy, operate/optimize, institutionalize. Customizable for all sizes/sectors/geographies. No certification; relies on internal audits, KPIs.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | ISO 31000 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems cybersecurity | Enterprise-wide risk management |
| Industry | US federal agencies/contractors | All sectors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory US law/regulation | Voluntary international guideline |
| Testing | Annual IG audits, continuous monitoring | Internal reviews, no certification |
| Penalties | Fines, contract loss, debarment | No legal penalties |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and ISO 31000
FISMA FAQ
ISO 31000 FAQ
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