What is the key difference between FISMA and NIST guidelines?

The key difference between FISMA and NIST guidelines is that FISMA establishes a framework for federal agencies to secure their information systems, while NIST provides specific standards, guidelines, and best practices to help implement that framework. FISMA, or the Federal Information Security Management Act, outlines the overall requirements for securing federal information systems and mandates the development and implementation of security programs. In contrast, NIST develops detailed standards and guidelines, such as those found in the NIST Special Publication series, which agencies can use to comply with FISMA’s requirements.

This distinction is crucial because it highlights how FISMA sets the strategic direction for information security across federal agencies while NIST supplies the tactical direction that helps agencies fulfill those strategic goals with practical measures and specific security controls. By working together, FISMA and NIST ensure that federal information security is not only mandated by law but also grounded in practical, actionable guidelines.