In today’s digital world, organizations must prove their commitment to data security and compliance to earn the trust of customers and stakeholders. Certifications like HITRUST and SOC 2 offer structured approaches to data protection, but they cater to different needs and industries. Choosing the right certification for your business depends on factors such as regulatory requirements, customer expectations, and your organization’s risk profile.
This blog explores the differences between HITRUST certification and SOC 2 compliance, helping you determine which is the best fit for your business.
What is HITRUST?
HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance) provides a certifiable framework known as the HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF). The HITRUST CSF integrates and harmonizes multiple regulatory standards, including:
- HIPAA
- NIST SP 800–53
- ISO 27001
- PCI DSS
- GDPR
HITRUST is especially valuable for organizations in healthcare, finance, and other regulated industries. It offers a certifiable approach to managing risk and ensuring compliance across multiple regulatory requirements, making it the gold standard for data protection in highly regulated sectors.
What is SOC 2?
SOC 2 (System and Organization Controls 2) is an auditing framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). SOC 2 focuses on assessing how organizations manage customer data based on five Trust Service Criteria (TSCs):
- Security
- Availability
- Processing Integrity
- Confidentiality
- Privacy
SOC 2 is particularly popular among technology companies, SaaS providers, and cloud service providers. Unlike HITRUST, SOC 2 is a reporting standard rather than a certifiable framework, providing a snapshot of an organization’s security controls at a given time.
When to Choose HITRUST Certification
HITRUST is ideal if your organization:
- Operates in healthcare, finance, or another highly regulated industry.
- Handles sensitive data such as protected health information (PHI) or financial records.
- Needs to comply with multiple regulations simultaneously (e.g., HIPAA, GDPR, PCI DSS).
- Requires a certifiable framework to demonstrate robust data security practices.
- Seeks a proactive risk management strategy to address emerging threats.
Examples:
- Hospitals and healthcare providers managing PHI.
- Financial institutions securing customer financial data.
- Cloud service providers catering to regulated industries.
When to Choose SOC 2 Compliance
SOC 2 is the better choice if your organization:
- Operates in technology, SaaS, or other sectors focused on customer data security.
- Primarily needs to demonstrate adherence to the five Trust Service Criteria (TSCs).
- Does not require compliance with multiple regulatory frameworks.
- Wants to provide stakeholders with an independent assessment of security practices.
- Prefers a flexible reporting standard that can be tailored to your business model.
Examples:
- SaaS companies offering data analytics platforms.
- Cloud storage providers serving global clients.
- IT service providers handling customer infrastructure.
Can You Use Both?
In many cases, organizations use HITRUST and SOC 2 together to meet diverse security and compliance needs:
- HITRUST provides a comprehensive, certifiable framework for regulated industries.
- SOC 2 offers a supplemental audit report that addresses customer expectations for data security and privacy.
For example, a healthcare SaaS company may achieve HITRUST certification to meet HIPAA requirements while maintaining SOC 2 compliance to satisfy customer demands.
Benefits of HITRUST Certification
- Comprehensive Coverage
HITRUST integrates multiple frameworks, allowing organizations to meet several regulatory requirements with a single certification. - Risk-Based Approach
The HITRUST CSF tailors security controls to an organization’s risk profile, ensuring resources are allocated effectively. - Third-Party Assurance
Certification demonstrates a high level of trust and credibility, fostering stronger relationships with partners and customers. - Ongoing Improvement
HITRUST certification requires interim assessments, encouraging continuous updates to security practices.
Benefits of SOC 2 Compliance
- Customizable Reporting
SOC 2 reports can be tailored to address specific Trust Service Criteria relevant to your business. - Broad Applicability
SOC 2 is suitable for organizations in various industries, especially those providing cloud-based services. - Customer Trust
SOC 2 compliance reassures customers that your organization is committed to protecting their data. - Flexibility
The framework is not tied to specific regulations, making it adaptable to unique business models.
How to Choose the Right Certification
Consider HITRUST if:
- Your organization operates in a regulated industry and needs certification to demonstrate compliance.
- You handle sensitive data like PHI, financial records, or intellectual property.
- You want to align with multiple regulatory standards through a single framework.
Consider SOC 2 if:
- Your organization serves customers who prioritize the Trust Service Criteria (TSCs).
- You are a SaaS provider, IT vendor, or technology company needing a flexible security standard.
- You want a cost-effective way to showcase your data security practices.
Conclusion
Both HITRUST certification and SOC 2 compliance are valuable tools for building trust and demonstrating a commitment to data security. While HITRUST provides a comprehensive, certifiable framework ideal for regulated industries, SOC 2 offers a flexible, customer-focused audit report that is well-suited for technology-driven businesses.
Understanding your industry requirements, regulatory obligations, and customer expectations will help you choose the certification that best supports your business objectives.
Need expert guidance to navigate HITRUST or SOC 2? Contact Praveen Kumar at Finstein to simplify your certification journey:
Email: Praveen@Finstein.ai
Phone: +91 99400 16037
