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HITRUST is one of many frameworks designed to help businesses manage data, information risk, and compliance. This framework applies to all companies that handle protected health information (PHI) and consists of several key elements. Here’s what to know about the HITRUST domains.
HITRUST is broken down into 19 domains, each of which focuses on a different aspect of information security.
This domain is concerned with the overall structure and governance of an organization’s information security practices. It requires that businesses develop, implement, and maintain certain policies and procedures.
Endpoint protection is key to safeguarding devices such as computers and servers that connect to an organization’s network. It emphasizes the need for high-quality anti-virus and anti-malware solutions to protect against malicious software. Endpoint protection also highlights the importance of patch management and the necessity of device encryption.
One of the most critical HITRUST domains, the mobile device security component centers around protecting sensitive data accessed via smartphones and other mobile devices. To comply with this domain, businesses should implement mobile device management (MDM) solutions.
It’s easy to overlook portable media devices like USBs, but these small tools can be vectors for data theft. As such, the portable media security domain seeks to address the vulnerabilities associated with their use. It involves encrypting data on portable media to prevent unauthorized access, establishing access control measures to restrict who can use the devices, and creating policies around how these devices should be used to ensure data security.
Configuration management ensures that all systems and software are configured in a way that minimizes vulnerabilities. So what does that involve? Typically, continuous monitoring of configurations to detect and address anomalies. Businesses are also required to implement processes to manage systems chances. This helps keep the IT environment secure and stable.
Be on the lookout for vulnerabilities. By conducting regular vulnerability assessments and scans, you can more easily detect security weaknesses. You can also prioritize vulnerabilities based on risk level, which doesn’t just make your job easier, but can streamline remediation efforts. Effective vulnerability management reduces the risk of exploitation and improves an organization’s security posture.
Of the HITRUST 19 domains, this is the one that focuses most heavily on infrastructure security. It aims to prevent unauthorized access and maintain the integrity of the data that’s transmitted over the network. Network protection includes implementing firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and secure network architectures.
Wireless security addresses the specific security challenges associated with wireless networks. To ensure compliance with this domain, businesses must use strong encryption protocols to protect their wireless communications. They must also use secure authentication methods to control access to wireless networks and regularly monitor those networks for unauthorized access points. This is key to preventing data breaches, which cost companies an average of $4.45 million per incident.
We all know––or should know––the importance of strong passwords. The password management domain mandates strong password policies that require the use of strong passwords and MFA authentication to enhance security. By enacting these key measures, your company can significantly reduce the risk of unauthorized access, thereby protecting sensitive information.
Access control basically just means that only authorized parties can access certain data. This domain includes implementing role-based access controls to restrict access based on job responsibilities. Businesses must regularly review access permissions to make sure they are strong enough.
Audit logging and monitoring helps businesses analyze activities within their IT environment to detect and respond to security incidents. To do this, they use logging mechanisms, which help them capture relevant security events. They then review these logs to identify suspicious activity. The key is to review, review, review. You can’t fix problems that you aren’t aware of, and so it’s extremely important to pay attention to what’s happening with your systems.
An incident response plan is the foundation of a good security management framework, and the HITRUST domains––especially incident response–place high value on it. This domain requires that businesses draw up a solid plan that outlines the steps to be taken in the event of a security breach.
This domain is about ensuring businesses can continue their operations in the event that things go south. It also focuses on recovering post-disaster, which typically involves conducting regular tests and exercises to validate disaster recovery plans.
HITRUST is similar to other frameworks, such as HIPAA, in that it places a strong emphasis on risk management. This is essential to identifying, assessing, and mitigating risks to an organization’s information assets. To get onboard with the risk management domain, businesses must establish a strong risk management framework.
Security and compliance isn’t just about securing your own systems. You also need to consider the risks associated with third-party vendors and service providers. Be sure to conduct due diligence assessments of third parties before engaging with them, making sure they comply with all relevant security requirements.
Data protection and privacy addresses the need to protect personal and sensitive information. This domain covers everything from enacting privacy policies and practices to conducting privacy impact assessments. Ensuring strong privacy protection helps maintain trust, which PwC describes as “the new currency for business.”
Transmission protection means securing data as it is transmitted across networks. This prevents unauthorized access and helps maintain data integrity. Businesses can protect their data in transit by regularly monitoring network traffic and using secure communication channels like VPNs.
Physical storage locations are still widely used, and it’s important for companies to make sure these are secure. This can mean different things for different organizations, but the key is to assess the environment, look for potential weak spots, and create a plan for addressing those vulnerabilities.
Perhaps the most important domain, education and awareness aims to educate employees on security best practices to ensure things run smoothly. By making employees aware of the risks, you can mitigate harm and foster a culture of security.
Understanding the HITRUST domains can be tricky, as there are so many moving parts to this framework. However, with a team of trusted experts by your side, you can more easily apply information security best practices. Compyl helps businesses like yours streamline HITRUST compliance and bring a new level of efficiency to their teams. To see how we can help, reach out to us today to schedule a demo.
