FISMA
U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity programs
PDPA
Singapore regulation for personal data protection and privacy.
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal systems and contractors via NIST RMF, while PDPA enforces privacy protections for personal data in Singapore organizations through consent and accountability. Companies adopt FISMA for contracts, PDPA for regional compliance and trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act of 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST Risk Management Framework lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics
- Enforces FIPS 199 system categorization
- Demands annual IG independent assessments
- Streamlines incident reporting to Congress
PDPA
Personal Data Protection Act 2012
Key Features
- Mandatory Data Protection Officer appointment
- 72-hour data breach notification requirement
- Consent and notification obligations
- Cross-border data transfer limitations
- Do Not Call Registry for marketing
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 mandates agency-wide information security programs using the NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF), covering Prepare, Categorize, Select, Implement, Assess, Authorize, and Monitor steps.
Key Components
- NIST SP 800-53 controls tailored by FIPS 199 impact levels (Low/Moderate/High)
- Continuous monitoring via SP 800-137
- Annual reporting and IG evaluations with maturity models
- Incident response and oversight by OMB, DHS/CISA Compliance through ATO and POA&Ms.
Why Organizations Use It
Federal agencies and contractors must comply to avoid penalties, loss of funding, or debarment. It reduces breach risks, enables market access, enhances resilience, and builds stakeholder trust via standardized metrics.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF application: inventory assets, categorize systems, deploy controls, assess, authorize, monitor continuously. Applies to agencies, contractors handling federal data; requires audits, automation tools like CDM. Scalable for enterprises to small vendors, 12-24 months typical.
PDPA Details
What It Is
PDPA (Personal Data Protection Act 2012) is Singapore's principal regulation governing collection, use, disclosure, and protection of personal data by organizations. It balances individual privacy rights with legitimate business needs through a principles-based approach emphasizing reasonable purposes, consent, and accountability.
Key Components
- Nine core obligations: consent, notification, access/correction, accuracy, protection, retention limitation, transfer limitation, accountability, breach notification.
- Built on PDPC advisory guidelines; no fixed control count but requires Data Protection Management Programme (DPMP).
- Compliance via self-assessment (PATO), DPO appointment, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Mandatory for organizations handling Singapore personal data; fines up to SGD 1M or 10% global revenue.
- Enhances trust, enables data-driven innovation, mitigates breach risks.
- Builds competitive edge in digital economy, supports partnerships.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: governance, gap analysis, policies/controls, training, monitoring.
- Applies to all private sector organizations in Singapore; risk-based for scale.
- No certification but PDPC audits/enforcement; focuses on operational maturity.
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | PDPA |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems security, CIA triad | Personal data collection, use, disclosure |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors | Private sector organizations in Singapore/Asia |
| Nature | Mandatory US federal law, risk-based | Mandatory national privacy acts, principles-based |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG annual assessments | DPIAs, internal audits, breach simulations |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, funding cuts | Fines up to SGD1M or 10% revenue |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and PDPA
FISMA FAQ
PDPA FAQ
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