Robust cybersecurity measures and reliable compliance certifications are non-negotiable for businesses handling sensitive data in today’s digital landscape. Many organizations currently pursue SOC 2 reports as they may be required to do so. However, HITRUST certification offers a more comprehensive approach that not only complements SOC 2 efforts but also provides distinct advantages.

If you’re looking to elevate your cybersecurity and compliance approach, read on to understand why organizations should consider pursuing HITRUST if they are already on the path of SOC 2.

What does SOC 2 offer and what it doesn’t?

SOC 2 reports, governed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), are well-recognized and offer valuable insights into an organization’s controls around security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy. However, SOC 2 has its limitations.

The AICPA provides guidance on SOC 2 reports, but they do not review whether those reports meet the guidance before issuance. This leads to inconsistencies and variability in report quality, raising concerns about the depth and reliability of these assessments.

What are the key differences between SOC 2 and HITRUST?

SOC 2 primarily issues opinions based on the auditor’s assessment. HITRUST provides the only assessment report that articulates control maturity using an innovative PRISMA-based control maturity and scoring model. HITRUST also reviews 100% of its assessments. This rigorous scoring and review process ensures a higher level of quality, accuracy, and consistency.

HITRUST’s framework is prescriptive, providing clear guidelines on how controls should be configured to meet stringent requirements. This prescriptive nature translates to more robust security measures, directly addressing and mitigating emerging threats with the cyber threat-adaptive HITRUST CSF that’s updated frequently. In contrast, SOC 2 is more flexible and open-ended, providing general guidance on the controls that should be in place but leaving it up to the organization to decide how to configure them.

Why do I need HITRUST when I am already pursuing SOC 2?

HITRUST offers significant strategic advantages with its certification. SOC 2 offers an opinion-based report that does not provide control-level scoring, so organizations are unable to measure their performance. HITRUST certification provides a higher level of assurance and can be a differentiator in the marketplace. It indicates a superior level of commitment to protecting data as HITRUST is the only reliable assurance proven to reduce risk.

Less than 1% of organizations with HITRUST certifications have reported security breaches in the past two years as per the HITRUST 2024 Trust Report. Such differentiation is particularly crucial in sectors like healthcare and finance, where demonstrating the highest standards of data security can open doors to new business opportunities and partnerships.

Apart from this, the HITRUST framework includes more than 50 authoritative sources such as HIPAA, GDPR, ISO 27001, and NIST. This means HITRUST certification offers proof of compliance across multiple standards and regulations. You can meet various contractual obligations and compliance requirements with a single assessment.

Do I need to put in a lot of effort for HITRUST?

Some organizations may feel that they need to choose between SOC 2 and HITRUST. Not always as the two frameworks can work well together. You will be surprised to know that HITRUST assessors suggest organizations can leverage 50%-70% of the work done for SOC 2 when pursuing HITRUST. This can even go up to 90% when organizations pursue the HITRUST e1. Organizations that are required to do a SOC 2 can benefit from the strengths of both frameworks, achieving a high level of security and assurance.

Integrating HITRUST can be streamlined due to the overlap in the frameworks for organizations already pursuing SOC 2. HITRUST complements and enhances the controls put in place for SOC 2, often requiring minimal adjustments to achieve compliance. This integration not only saves time and resources but also elevates the organization’s security posture to meet higher standards of data protection.

SOC 2 or HITRUST: What’s the right approach?

While SOC 2 reports are beneficial and widely recognized, they are just the starting point for organizations serious about cybersecurity and compliance. HITRUST certification not only fills the gaps left by SOC 2 but also provides a robust framework that ensures comprehensive, consistent, and measurable security and compliance. HITRUST is not just an option for businesses looking to enhance their security processes and compliance certifications — it’s a strategic upgrade.

Contact our team for more information on how HITRUST can complement your SOC 2 efforts and help secure your data. We’re here to assist you in navigating the complexities of cybersecurity certifications and ensuring your data is protected to the highest standards.