Understanding the Differences Between HITRUST e1 and SOC 2

Are you searching for compliance frameworks and assessments that meet your organizational needs?

HITRUST certifications are the most reliable security assessments that evaluate the effectiveness of your controls. SOC 2 is a well-known attestation. It’s crucial to understand the differences between HITRUST e1 and SOC 2 if you’re aiming to achieve comprehensive security assurance.

Overview of HITRUST e1

HITRUST offers three different assessment options. The HITRUST e1 is based on the most critical 44 security controls. It is designed to provide a streamlined approach to security assurance for smaller or low-risk organizations. It also offers a stepping-stone approach for organizations seeking more comprehensive HITRUST certifications.

Here are some key characteristics of the HITRUST e1.

• Prescriptive framework: HITRUST e1 provides a curated and preselected set of 44 control requirements, offering a prescriptive framework that simplifies the implementation process.
• Certification: Unlike SOC 2 compliance, HITRUST e1 results in certification, establishing that the organization has met the defined security requirements.
• Standardized approach: The HITRUST framework is highly standardized. It ensures consistency across assessments and reduces variability.
• Cyber threat intelligence: HITRUST assessments are based on near real-time threat intelligence, guiding the controls within the assessments. It protects against 100% of addressable threats (based on the MITRE ATT&CK Framework) across all industries.
• Evaluation and scoring: HITRUST uses an innovative PRISMA-based control maturity and scoring model. It provides quantitative control maturity scores based on evidence.
• Shared responsibility and inheritance: HITRUST allows organizations to reuse and inherit controls from their own or third party’s previous assessments through its unique HITRUST Shared Responsibility and Inheritance Program.  

Overview of SOC 2

SOC 2, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), focuses on the controls relevant to security, availability, processing integrity, confidentiality, and privacy of data. The SOC 2 report is based on these five Trust Services Criteria (TSC), which organizations select based on their specific needs.

Here are some key characteristics of SOC 2.

• Customization: Organizations choose which TSC to include in their SOC 2 assessment, making it customizable to their specific operational requirements.
• Attestation report: SOC 2 does not provide a certification. It results in an attestation Even immature security programs may receive a SOC 2 report.
• Varied control requirements: The number of control requirements varies as organizations pick their own controls to meet the TSC.

• Evaluation approach: SOC 2 evaluates the design and operating effectiveness of controls based on the auditor’s opinion.

Comparing controls: HITRUST e1 and SOC 2

HITRUST e1 controls are granular and specific, while SOC 2 controls are broad and generic.

For example, let's take one of the controls (A1.3) from the availability criteria of SOC 2. A single SOC 2 control encompasses testing an organization’s system recovery plans. In contrast, there are three HITRUST e1 requirements that cover varied aspects within this, including regular software backups, secure physical storage, and maintaining offline backups.

So, if the organization has a system recovery testing process, it may meet the SOC 2 control. However, the system may not completely meet HITRUST requirements if the organization has not implemented specific controls as per the three HITRUST e1 requirements. HITRUST’s detailed evaluation ensures that the right controls are in place to protect data.

Which one to choose: HITRUST e1 or SOC 2

Organizations pursue SOC 2 when a customer or partner requires them to do so or when looking for limited assurance (e.g., only addressing certain TSC such as confidentiality).

If you’re planning to get a SOC 2, already have one, or are starting from scratch, get a HITRUST e1 certification. HITRUST e1 offers the following.  

• A detailed evaluation of your most critical security controls
• Demonstrable proof and value-adding certification that showcases cyber maturity
• Help to manage and mitigate risks and emerging threats

Adding HITRUST e1 to your SOC 2

If you’re required to do a SOC 2, you will greatly benefit from pursuing a HITRUST e1 with it. Despite their differences, there are significant similarities between HITRUST e1 and SOC 2 controls. You can leverage the work done for SOC 2 when getting a HITRUST e1 or pursue both together. 36 of 44 e1 controls map to one or more SOC 2 TSC, which is over 80%.

Here are some benefits of getting a HITRUST e1 certification instead of, alongside, or after a SOC 2.

• Comprehensive assurance: HITRUST e1 provides a step toward more robust HITRUST certifications and offers a better understanding of specific security controls.
• Enhanced security: HITRUST’s prescriptive control requirements ensure that organizations are better equipped to manage risks, thereby enhancing their overall security posture.
• Market differentiation: Achieving HITRUST certification over SOC 2 compliance can serve as a significant differentiator in the marketplace, showcasing your organization’s commitment to stringent security standards.

Key takeaway

Understanding the differences between HITRUST e1 and SOC 2 is essential for organizations striving to implement effective security controls and achieve comprehensive security assurance. HITRUST provides a standardized and prescriptive framework, mitigating risks and resulting in certification. Organizations can optimize their security practices, achieve greater efficiency, and stand out in the competitive landscape by pursuing a HITRUST e1 with, without, or after a SOC 2.