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 ensuring confidentiality, integrity, and availability, primarily via NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF) with seven steps: Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, Monitor.

Key Components

• Core pillars: system categorization (FIPS 199), NIST SP 800-53 controls (20 families), continuous monitoring (SP 800-137).
• Built on RMF lifecycle; no fixed control count but baselines by impact level.
• Compliance via Authorization to Operate (ATO), POA&Ms, IG evaluations using maturity models aligned to NIST CSF functions.

Why Organizations Use It

Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid penalties, IG reports, contract loss. It reduces risks, enables market access (e.g., FedRAMP), builds resilience, and aligns cybersecurity with missions for efficiency and trust.

Implementation Overview

Phased RMF approach: governance/inventory, categorize/select/implement controls, assess/authorize, continuous monitor. Applies to agencies, contractors; suits all sizes via tailoring. Requires annual audits, no central certification but reciprocal ATOs.

What It Is

NIST SP 800-171 (Protecting Controlled Unclassified Information in Nonfederal Systems and Organizations) is a U.S. government framework providing security requirements for safeguarding CUI confidentiality in nonfederal systems. It applies a tailored, control-based approach derived from NIST SP 800-53 Moderate baseline, focusing on components that process, store, transmit CUI, or protect them.

Key Components

• 17 families in Rev 3 (e.g., Access Control, Audit, Supply Chain Risk Management), with ~97-110 requirements.
• Core elements: SSP (System Security Plan), POA&M (Plan of Action and Milestones), SP 800-171A assessment procedures (examine/interview/test).
• Built on FIPS 200, aligned with SP 800-53; supports tailoring and compensating controls.

Why Organizations Use It

• Mandatory via contracts like DFARS 252.204-7012 for DoD contractors.
• Reduces breach risks, ensures contract eligibility, builds supply chain trust.
• Enhances resilience, competitive edge in federal procurement.

Implementation Overview

• Phased: scoping CUI enclave, gap analysis, control implementation, evidence collection.
• Targets contractors handling CUI; self/third-party assessments via CMMC/SPRS.
• Scalable for SMBs (enclaves) to enterprises; 6-36 months typical.