What is HITRUST? HITRUST Myths and Facts | HITRUST

Organizations are looking for trustworthy, scalable, and efficient ways to manage risk as the threat landscape evolves and expectations for data protection increase. HITRUST is often at the center of that conversation, but it’s often misunderstood.

It’s time to bust some of the most common myths to understand more about HITRUST and how it’s setting the bar for security assurance.

Myth: HITRUST is difficult.

Fact: Robust and effective security is difficult. We show you how to do it well.

Cyber threats aren’t getting any simpler, and neither are regulatory demands. But is HITRUST difficult? Not really.

HITRUST makes complex security easier to manage by offering prescriptive, risk-based guidance aligned with widely adopted frameworks and regulations. Our structured approach, integrated controls, and centralized system take the guesswork out of implementation so that you can spend less time worrying and more time protecting what matters.

Myth: HITRUST is costly.

Fact: Robust and effective security can be expensive. We help you do it efficiently.

Security isn’t an area where you want to cut corners. But that doesn’t mean it has to break your budget. So, is HITRUST costly?

HITRUST is a force multiplier to security spends. In other words, HITRUST costs represent a small investment that significantly maximizes the impact and return of an organization’s overall security investments. We ensure your security resources are strategically focused so that you’re investing only where it truly matters.

We provide flexible security certification options to meet organizations where they are. We offer scalable solutions and efficient pathways to make the certification process cost-effective. For instance, the HITRUST Shared Responsibility and Inheritance Program enables organizations to inherit up to 85% of requirements in a HITRUST assessment, saving time, effort, and money. HITRUST assessments ensure the completeness and effectiveness of controls while avoiding duplication and unnecessary implementations.

Myth: HITRUST is only for healthcare.

Fact: HITRUST started in healthcare, but now we’re trusted across industries.

HITRUST was originally developed to address the rigorous demands of HIPAA and the healthcare industry. Today, our framework has evolved into a powerful, industry-agnostic solution for managing risk. HITRUST supports a diverse range of sectors, from financial services and manufacturing to IT, government, and business services.

In 2024, the top industries with HITRUST certifications were

• Information Technology – 37.3%
• Healthcare – 25.9%
• Business Services – 19.1%

Organizations across every industry are choosing HITRUST to demonstrate security, compliance, and trust.

Myth: HITRUST is inflexible.

Fact: We used to offer one comprehensive assessment. Now, we provide a broad, tailorable portfolio.

Security isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither is HITRUST. Gone are the days when HITRUST offered just one rigorous assessment. Our portfolio now includes three scalable core security certification options and two AI assessments.

• e1 (essentials) – e1 focuses on critical cybersecurity controls and can be completed in less than three months.
• i1 (intermediate) – i1 is designed for modern, moderate-risk environments and serves as the ideal bridge between the e1 and the r2.
• r2 (rigorous) – r2 is the most comprehensive assessment serving the highest assurance needs.
• AI Security Certification – This certification validates the security of AI systems, ideally for AI developers and deployers.
• AI Risk Management Assessment – This assessment is designed for AI users and producers seeking to evaluate their AI risk management practices.

The three core security assessments (e1, i1, r2) are built on the universal HITRUST framework, which means you can reuse your previous work to pursue another HITRUST certification.

Myth: HITRUST is only for large enterprises.

Fact: Large organizations were our early adopters. HITRUST is built for companies of all sizes.

Startups, Small and Medium-sized Businesses (SMBs), and growing tech companies are increasingly turning to HITRUST to meet customer demands and build credibility. The introduction of the e1 certification in 2023 has made it easier for smaller or low-risk organizations to achieve and demonstrate strong security postures without the burden of excessive complexity. In 2024, e1 was over 51% of all HITRUST assessments sold, proving that security assurance is no longer only reserved for big corporations and Fortune 500 companies.

Final thoughts: Don’t let misconceptions hold you back

Doing security right is a must. HITRUST offers a proven, scalable, and efficient path to risk management that meets the needs of today’s dynamic business environment and gives you the confidence to move forward securely.

Talk to us today and learn how HITRUST can help you.