FISMA
U.S. federal law mandating risk-based cybersecurity programs
TISAX
Automotive standard for trusted information security assessments
Quick Verdict
FISMA mandates risk-based cybersecurity for US federal agencies and contractors via NIST RMF, while TISAX standardizes voluntary assessments for automotive suppliers protecting prototypes and IP. Agencies comply legally; suppliers adopt for contracts and trust.
FISMA
Federal Information Security Modernization Act (FISMA) 2014
Key Features
- Mandates NIST RMF 7-step risk management lifecycle
- Requires continuous monitoring and diagnostics program
- Enforces FIPS 199 system impact categorization
- Demands annual IG independent maturity assessments
- Extends requirements to contractors and supply chains
TISAX
Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange (TISAX)
Key Features
- Standardized exchange of security assessments via ENX portal
- Three assessment levels: Basic, Significant, Very High
- Automotive-specific prototype protection controls
- 70+ VDA ISA controls based on ISO 27001
- Reduces duplicate audits across OEM supply chains
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) 2014 is a U.S. federal law establishing a mandatory, risk-based framework for protecting federal information and systems. It modernizes the 2002 act, emphasizing continuous monitoring and oversight for civilian executive branch agencies via NIST Risk Management Framework (RMF).
Key Components
- **7-step RMFPrepare, Categorize (FIPS 199), Select/Implement/Assess (NIST SP 800-53), Authorize, Monitor.
- 20 control families in SP 800-53 Rev. 5, tailored by impact level.
- Continuous diagnostics, IG maturity assessments (Levels 1-5), metrics for CIOs/IGs/SAOPs.
- Compliance via ATOs, POA&Ms, annual OMB reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
Mandated for federal agencies/contractors; reduces breach risks, enables market access. Builds resilience, executive risk decisions, stakeholder trust via proven NIST alignment.
Implementation Overview
Phased RMF application: governance/inventory, control deployment, assessments, continuous monitoring. Applies to agencies, contractors (FedRAMP for cloud); requires audits, scales by size/complexity.
TISAX Details
What It Is
TISAX (Trusted Information Security Assessment Exchange) is an industry-specific framework and assessment platform for information security in the automotive supply chain. Developed by the ENX Association based on VDA ISA catalog, it verifies protection of sensitive data like prototypes and IP through standardized assessments at Basic, Significant, or Very High levels, emphasizing CIA triad with automotive-tailored controls.
Key Components
- 70+ controls across 7 groups: Policy, Organization, Personnel, Physical Security, Access, Cryptography, Operations.
- Built on ISO 27001 with sector-specific extensions like prototype protection.
- Maturity-based certification valid for 3 years, exchanged via ENX portal.
Why Organizations Use It
- Contractual mandates from OEMs like BMW, preventing revenue loss.
- Risk mitigation against breaches, efficiency gains (70-90% audit reduction).
- Builds trust, enables market access, ROI through resilience and innovation.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: Preparation (gap analysis), Remediation (controls, table-tops), Audit (by accredited providers), Sustainment. Targets automotive suppliers/OEMs globally; scalable for SMEs to enterprises via self-assessments or on-site audits. (178 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | FISMA | TISAX |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Federal info systems, NIST RMF lifecycle | Automotive supply chain, prototype protection |
| Industry | US federal agencies, contractors | Automotive OEMs, suppliers globally |
| Nature | Mandatory US law, risk-based framework | Voluntary industry assessment exchange |
| Testing | Continuous monitoring, IG annual audits | AL1-AL3 assessments every 3 years |
| Penalties | Contract loss, debarment, IG reports | Contract exclusion, no legal fines |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about FISMA and TISAX
FISMA FAQ
TISAX FAQ
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