Understanding The Difference Between SOC 2 & HITRUST

In today’s digital landscape, data security, and privacy are of paramount importance. Organizations handling sensitive customer information must ensure they adhere to stringent security standards. Two commonly used frameworks for assessing and validating an organization’s security posture are SOC 2 (Service Organization Control 2) and HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance). While both frameworks aim to enhance data security, they have distinct characteristics and purposes. In this article, we will explore the differences between SOC 2 vs HITRUST, helping you understand which framework might be most suitable for your organization’s needs.

Understanding SOC 2

SOC 2 is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It focuses on evaluating the controls and processes related to the security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of customer data. SOC 2 reports provide detailed insights into an organization’s security practices, helping customers and stakeholders assess the level of risk associated with engaging the services of that organization.

Understanding HITRUST

HITRUST, on the other hand, is a comprehensive security framework developed specifically for the healthcare industry. It combines multiple standards and regulations, including HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act), to create a unified set of controls and requirements for protecting healthcare information. HITRUST offers a prescriptive approach to achieving compliance, ensuring that organizations handling sensitive healthcare data have robust security measures in place.

Key Differences Between SOC 2 and HITRUST

1. Scope and Applicability
   • SOC 2 applies to organizations across various industries, not limited to healthcare. It assesses controls related to data security and privacy.
   • HITRUST is primarily designed for organizations in the healthcare industry, including healthcare providers, insurers, and business associates. It focuses on protecting electronic health information.
2. Certification Process
   • The SOC 2 certification process involves an independent auditor evaluating an organization’s controls and issuing a report based on predefined criteria.
   • HITRUST certification involves a more rigorous assessment process, including a self-assessment, third-party validation, and submission of documentation to HITRUST for review and certification.
3. Control Frameworks
   • SOC 2 allows organizations to choose from a range of control frameworks, such as COSO (Committee of Sponsoring Organizations of the Treadway Commission) or COBIT (Control Objectives for Information and Related Technologies).
   • HITRUST incorporates a specific control framework that includes controls from multiple regulations and standards, tailored specifically for the healthcare industry.
4. Third-Party Assessments
   • SOC 2 assessments are performed by independent auditors who evaluate an organization’s controls and provide an unbiased opinion.
   • HITRUST assessments include both self-assessments and third-party assessments. The involvement of a HITRUST-assessed third party adds an extra layer of credibility to the certification process.

5. Industry Adoption
   • SOC 2 has gained widespread adoption across various industries, including technology, finance, and professional services. Many organizations consider SOC 2 compliance a benchmark for assessing a service provider’s security controls.
   • HITRUST is primarily adopted by organizations in the healthcare industry. It has become the de facto standard for ensuring the security of healthcare information and is widely recognized and accepted within the industry.

Benefits And Limitations

SOC 2 offers the following benefits:

• Enhanced security: SOC 2 helps organizations identify and strengthen their security controls, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
• Customer assurance: SOC 2 compliance demonstrates a commitment to data security and privacy, giving customers confidence in the organization’s ability to protect their information.
• Competitive advantage: SOC 2 certification can provide a competitive edge by showcasing a commitment to security, potentially attracting more customers and business opportunities.

However, SOC 2 also has its limitations:

• Lack of prescriptive guidance: SOC 2 provides a framework for evaluating controls but does not offer specific guidelines on implementation, leaving organizations to determine the best approach.
• Limited industry-specific focus: SOC 2 is applicable across industries, but it may not address industry-specific regulations and requirements in depth.

HITRUST offers the following benefits:

• Comprehensive compliance: HITRUST incorporates multiple industry standards and regulations, ensuring organizations meet a broad range of security requirements specific to the healthcare industry.
• Industry recognition: HITRUST certification is widely recognized and accepted within the healthcare industry, assuring stakeholders that an organization has implemented robust security measures.
• Streamlined compliance: HITRUST offers a standardized framework, simplifying the compliance process and reducing the need for multiple assessments.

However, HITRUST also has its limitations:

• Healthcare industry focus: HITRUST may not be suitable for organizations outside the healthcare industry, as its controls are tailored specifically for healthcare information protection.
• Higher implementation costs: Achieving HITRUST certification can be more resource-intensive and costly compared to SOC 2 due to the comprehensive nature of the framework.

Choosing Between SOC 2 And HITRUST

When deciding between SOC 2 and HITRUST, consider the following factors:

• Industry: If your organization operates in the healthcare industry or deals with healthcare data, HITRUST may be more appropriate. For other industries, SOC 2 is a versatile option.
• Compliance requirements: Assess the specific regulatory and compliance requirements relevant to your organization. HITRUST addresses healthcare-specific regulations, while SOC 2 focuses on general data security and privacy.
• Customer expectations: Understand your customers’ expectations and industry norms. Some industries, such as technology and finance, may place greater importance on SOC 2 compliance.
• Resource availability: Consider the resources, budget, and expertise required for implementing and maintaining the chosen framework. HITRUST generally requires more extensive resources due to its comprehensive nature.

Conclusion

In conclusion, both SOC 2 and HITRUST are valuable frameworks for assessing and improving an organization’s security posture. SOC 2 is a versatile option suitable for various industries, assuring customers and stakeholders regarding data security. On the other hand, HITRUST is specifically designed for the healthcare industry, encompassing multiple regulations and standards. The choice between SOC 2 and HITRUST depends on your organization’s industry, compliance requirements, customer expectations, and available resources. Ultimately, both frameworks aim to enhance data security and should be considered based on your organization’s specific needs and objectives.

If you are looking to implement any of the Infosec compliance frameworks such as SOC 2 compliance, HIPAA, ISO 27001, and GDPR compliance, Impanix can help. Book a Free consultation call with our experts or email us at  [email protected] for inquiries.