FISMA Compliance Services
The Federal Information Security Modernization Act is the primary U.S. law requiring every federal agency to develop and implement an information security program. FISMA drives the entire federal cybersecurity ecosystem including NIST standards, FedRAMP, and CMMC.
The Law Behind Federal Cybersecurity
FISMA makes NIST standards mandatory for all federal systems and creates the accountability structure behind every federal cybersecurity program.
Agency Security Programs
Each agency must designate a CISO, implement risk-based controls, and maintain security across all systems.
NIST Standards Mandate
FISMA directs NIST to develop security standards and requires agencies to comply. This makes NIST frameworks legally binding for federal systems.
Continuous Monitoring
FISMA 2014 replaced periodic audits with continuous monitoring, aligned with NIST SP 800-137.
Contractor Flow-Down
When contractors operate or maintain federal systems, they inherit FISMA obligations through contract clauses.
The NIST Framework FISMA Requires
FIPS 199: Categorize systems by impact (Low, Moderate, High)
FIPS 200: Minimum security requirements across 17 areas
NIST SP 800-53 Rev 5: Select controls from 1,000+ catalog
NIST SP 800-37 RMF: 7-step risk management lifecycle
NIST SP 800-137: Continuous monitoring program
Annual IG assessments and FISMA reports to Congress
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Frequently Asked Questions
How does FISMA relate to FedRAMP?
FedRAMP is the cloud-specific implementation of FISMA. When a cloud service achieves FedRAMP authorization, the sponsoring agency satisfies FISMA obligations for that service.
What changed between FISMA 2002 and 2014?
FISMA 2014 gave DHS (now CISA) operational authority, replaced periodic audits with continuous monitoring, required agency CISOs, and enabled Binding Operational Directives.
Does FISMA apply to contractors?
Yes, when contractors operate or maintain federal systems. This is distinct from NIST SP 800-171 requirements for CUI on contractor-owned systems.
What is CISA's role in FISMA?
CISA serves as operational lead for federal civilian cybersecurity, issuing Binding Operational Directives and Emergency Directives, and operating the CDM continuous monitoring program.
How does FISMA relate to CMMC?
Both derive from NIST SP 800-53. FISMA governs federal agency systems directly. CMMC governs defense contractor systems handling CUI through NIST SP 800-171.
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Petronella Technology Group helps federal agencies and contractors implement the NIST standards and continuous monitoring programs FISMA requires.