Source URL: https://anchore.com/blog/fedramp-vs-fisma/
Source: Anchore
Title: FedRAMP & FISMA Compliance: Key Differences Explained
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**Summary:** This text provides an informative overview comparing two essential U.S. government compliance standards—FedRAMP and FISMA. It clarifies the distinct scopes, models, goals, and governance associated with each standard, emphasizing their relevance for cloud service providers and federal agencies. The article is particularly useful for professionals in the fields of cloud computing, security, and compliance, as it demystifies the complexities of navigating these regulatory frameworks.
**Detailed Description:**
The article elaborates on the complexities of U.S. government compliance from the perspectives of two significant standards—FedRAMP and FISMA. It highlights the necessity for cloud service providers (CSPs) to understand these frameworks to operate effectively within government sectors. The detailed breakdown indicates the necessity for compliance professionals to grasp the nuances of each standard to ensure their organizations align with federal requirements.
– **What is FedRAMP?**
– A compliance standard and certification program.
– Facilitates federal agencies’ access to cloud services through a standardized security evaluation process.
– Established to streamline the cloud services compliance, allowing for shared audits across multiple federal agencies.
– **What is FISMA?**
– Federal Information Security Management Act, a federal law aimed at ensuring the security of information systems.
– Established in response to the growing threats in cybercrime, replacing outdated legislation.
– Requires federal agencies to implement their security measures and oversight.
– **Key Comparisons Between FedRAMP and FISMA:**
– **Scope & Applications:**
– FedRAMP is specific to cloud service providers, while FISMA is applicable to federal agencies and their external partners.
– **Model:**
– FedRAMP’s “do once, use many times” reduces redundant certifications across agencies.
– FISMA requires individual agencies to manage their own information systems.
– **Goals:**
– FedRAMP focuses on securing cloud environments specifically.
– FISMA serves as a broader guide for federal agencies to frame their security initiatives.
– **Governing Bodies:**
– FedRAMP is overseen by a joint board from multiple federal departments.
– FISMA compliance falls under the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) with guidelines set by the NIST.
– **Process:**
– FedRAMP uses rigorous assessments including third-party evaluations.
– FISMA focuses on broader high-level goals, leveraging NIST guidelines for specifics.
– **Overlap and Relationship:**
– Both standards aim to protect federal information systems and maintain systemic security controls.
– They rely on NIST frameworks to establish a standardized risk management approach.
– Continuous monitoring is emphasized in both frameworks to manage threats effectively.
– **Practical Implications:**
– Organizations seeking to provide services to federal agencies must navigate both compliance realms.
– Cloud service providers must attain FedRAMP compliance to do business with federal entities effectively.
In conclusion, for professionals working with cloud and infrastructure security, understanding these compliance standards is crucial. This overview serves as a useful guide for navigating the complexities of government compliance, providing a foundation for deeper exploration into best practices for achieving compliance with both FedRAMP and FISMA. Additionally, the discussion indicates an essential next step for organizations to understand how to align their services to meet these requirements effectively.