If you’ve ever been curious about improving your organization’s security posture, it’s likely that you’ve come across the terms NIST and FISMA. Both are important frameworks for ensuring security compliance, however, they serve different purposes.
Let’s clear up the confusion regarding exactly what these two mean and how they relate to each other.
What is NIST?
NIST, or the National Institute of Standards and Technology, is a federal agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce. NIST develops security standards, guidelines, and best practices to help organizations manage and reduce cybersecurity risks. Essentially, NIST is the creator of blueprints for security best practices that you and other businesses can follow.
One of the most well-known standards created by NIST is the NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF), which offers a flexible, risk-based approach for improving cyber risk management practices. Another widely used information security standard is NIST 800-53, which outlines privacy and security controls that organizations can implement to strengthen their overall security posture.
What is FISMA?
FISMA, or the Federal Information Security Modernization Act, is a U.S. law designed to protect government information, assets, and operations. It requires federal agencies and their contractors to implement strict information security programs.
In simple terms, any organization dealing with federal data needs to comply with FISMA to ensure that sensitive government information is kept safe.
This includes:
- U.S. federal agencies and departments
- State agencies managing federal programs (e.g., Medicare, student loans, unemployment insurance, etc).
- Private sector firms providing services to or receiving grants from the federal government
To comply with FISMA, businesses often turn to the guidelines set out by NIST. Specifically, they use the FISMA framework and the NIST 800-53 controls to ensure they meet the necessary security requirements.
The Key Difference Between NIST and FISMA
The main difference is that NIST provides the guidelines for you to follow, while FISMA mandates the use of those guidelines to ensure your business complies with government security requirements. So, if your business handles federal data, FISMA compliance is non-negotiable as it is required by law. However, you’ll be using NIST’s standards to meet FISMA’s requirements.
To make this clear: NIST is the “what” and “how” of security, while FISMA is the “must.”
How NIST and FISMA Work Together
When your organization needs to become FISMA compliant, it’ll use the guidelines and controls that NIST publishes.
For example:
- NIST 800-53 controls outline specific security measures (e.g., password guidelines) your business must implement to achieve FISMA compliance.
- FISMA compliance involves continuous monitoring, conducting regular security assessments, and using the controls specified by NIST to protect federal data.
This connection is significant since NIST standards serve as a framework for businesses aiming to achieve or maintain FISMA compliance.
Why Do FISMA Controls Matter?
FISMA controls ensure that government data doesn’t end up in the wrong hands and is protected from unauthorized access, theft, and other cyber threats. By implementing these controls, your organization minimizes risks and ensures compliance with federal security standards.
In fact, many private sector organizations adopt FISMA controls and the NIST framework to enhance their security posture, even if they aren’t legally required to do so.
Advantages of FISMA and NIST Compliance
Complying with federal regulations might not be top of mind, but it offers many benefits, including:
Minimizing Risks for Individuals and Organizations
Following the FISMA framework and NIST controls strengthens your business’s protection against data breaches, cyberattacks, and security incidents. This not only protects sensitive federal data but also reduces the likelihood of costly incidents.
Building Trust and Engaging Employees
When you’re compliant with FISMA and NIST, your employees are often more aware of security practices and procedures. As a result, they become more engaged and knowledgeable about information security threats. This commitment to security helps strengthen trust and credibility with your customers.
Improving Business Decision-Making
By adhering to NIST guidelines and becoming compliant with FISMA, you gain a clearer understanding of your security posture. This means you can identify risks faster and make more informed decisions that improve your overall business strategy.
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Streamlining the Compliance Process
In summary, NIST and FISMA work hand in hand to ensure robust security standards for federal data. While FISMA mandates compliance for government agencies and their contractors, NIST provides the detailed controls and guidance needed to achieve this compliance.
By implementing the FISMA framework and leveraging FISMA controls provided by NIST, your business can meet regulatory compliance requirements as well as build a strong, trustworthy security program.
If you’ve established that your business needs to comply with FISMA or NIST, consider using compliance automation software to streamline the process and help you maintain compliance more efficiently.
