FISMA
U.S. federal law for risk-based cybersecurity management
ISO/IEC 42001:2023
International standard for AI management systems
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based security for US federal systems via NIST RMF, ensuring compliance and resilience. ISO/IEC 42001:2023 provides voluntary AIMS certification for global AI governance. Organizations adopt FISMA for contracts, ISO for ethical AI trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Risk-based NIST RMF 7-step lifecycle process
- Mandates continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Applies to agencies and federal contractors
- Requires annual IG independent assessments
- Enforces real-time major incident reporting
ISO/IEC 42001:2023
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Artificial Intelligence Management System
Key Features
- PDCA-based AIMS for full AI lifecycle governance
- Mandatory AI Impact Assessments for high-risk systems
- Annex A with 38 AI-specific controls
- HLS integration with ISO 27001/9001 standards
- Third-party risk management and continual monitoring
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 security programs emphasizing continuous monitoring over static compliance, using NIST RMF for lifecycle management.
Key Components
- NIST RMF 7 steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.
- NIST SP 800-53 controls tailored by FIPS 199 impact levels.
- Oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA, IGs with annual metrics and maturity models.
- No formal certification; compliance via independent evaluations and ATOs.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandatory for federal agencies and contractors handling federal data; reduces breach risks, enables market access. Builds resilience, executive risk decisions, and trust via standardized practices.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF approach: governance, inventory, controls, assessments, monitoring. Suits agencies, contractors; scales by size. Requires SSPs, POA&Ms, audits; ongoing via automation.
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 is the world's first international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving an Artificial Intelligence Management System (AIMS). It provides a risk-based framework using the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) methodology and High-Level Structure (HLS) to govern AI responsibly across its lifecycle, applicable to any organization regardless of size or sector.
Key Components
- Clauses 4-10 cover context, leadership, planning, support, operation, evaluation, and improvement.
- Annex A (38 AI-specific controls) addresses risks like bias and transparency.
- Built on PDCA and HLS for integration with ISO 9001/27001.
- Third-party certification via accredited auditors, with 3-year validity and surveillance.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mitigates AI risks (bias, ethics, drift) while enabling innovation.
- Aligns with EU AI Act and regulations for compliance.
- Builds stakeholder trust, enhances reputation, and provides competitive edge via certification (e.g., Microsoft Copilot).
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, policy development, AIIAs, controls deployment.
- 6-12 months typical, faster with existing ISO systems.
- Universal applicability; tools like ISMS.online accelerate for all sizes/industries.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | ISO/IEC 42001:2023 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security, CIA triad | AI management systems, lifecycle risks |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors | All sectors worldwide, AI actors |
| Nature | US federal law, mandatory for agencies | International certifiable standard, voluntary |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG annual audits | Third-party certification audits, AIIAs |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, funding cuts | No legal penalties, certification loss |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and ISO/IEC 42001:2023
FISMA FAQ
ISO/IEC 42001:2023 FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
SOC 2 Audit Survival Guide: 10 Red Flags Auditors Flag and Model Answers for Walkthroughs
Master SOC 2 Type 2 audits with our guide: 10 red flags like incomplete logs/vendor gaps, model walkthrough answers, psychology tips. Pass first-time with <5% e
The DORA 'Hot Seat' Blueprint: Preparing Leadership and the Management Body for Regulatory Interviews
Prepare your Board & Management Body for DORA audits. Master the human element: demonstrate active oversight & accountability in regulatory interviews. Get the
Thailand PDPA Implementation Guide: Subordinate Regulations for 72-Hour Breach Reporting and Cross-Border Transfers (2022-2024 Rules)
Step-by-step Thailand PDPA guide: 72-hour breach notifications, cross-border transfers (2022-2024 rules). Risk checklists, GDPR templates avoid THB 5M fines. Mu
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
CMMC vs ISO 20000
CMMC vs ISO 20000: Compare DoD cybersecurity tiers (NIST 800-171/172 for FCI/CUI) to IT service mgmt std. Align compliance, cut risks, win bids—discover now!
ISO 27032 vs AS9120B
ISO 27032 vs AS9120B: Compare cybersecurity Internet guidelines with aerospace distributor QMS. Key differences in scope, risks, compliance & implementation. Boost resilience—explore now!
FedRAMP vs 23 NYCRR 500
Compare FedRAMP vs 23 NYCRR 500: Federal cloud auth baselines (NIST 800-53) vs NY finance cyber rules (MFA, risk assessments). Key diffs, costs, paths. Comply smarter now!