Let Us Guide You Through Your InfoSec & Compliance Journey.
Learn how to use the Compyl Platform.
Watch all Security Session Episodes
Real-world stories on how we help our customers.
Compliance is a multi-pronged approach that involves several moving pieces, and you may feel like you’re navigating a never-ending web of rules and frameworks. However, by pinpointing commonalities between frameworks and seeing where they overlap, you can streamline your compliance efforts. Understanding HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping can be extremely helpful for businesses dealing with these standards.
HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping is the process of aligning and comparing the security controls and requirements outlined in the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) with those in the SOC 2 framework, specifically the Trust Services Criteria (TSC).
While HITRUST and SOC 2 are both widely recognized frameworks, HITRUST covers various industry standards, while SOC 2 focuses more on the management of data based on specific principles like security, availability, and confidentiality.
The goal of mapping is to identify similarities and differences between the two, which can help organizations streamline compliance. By understanding where HITRUST controls satisfy SOC 2 requirements, companies can boost efficiency and limit redundant work.
Before starting your HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping process, it’s important to differentiate between HITRUST and SOC 1, and how SOC 1 differs from SOC 2. HITRUST is a highly detailed framework consisting of 19 domains that integrates standards like HIPAA and NIST. It offers a broad, risk-based approach to safeguarding sensitive data.
SOC 1, by contrast, focuses specifically on financial reporting. It’s primarily used by regulators and stakeholders who are looking for assurance that a service provider’s controls do not adversely affect their clients’ financial statements. On the other hand, SOC 2 centers around operations and compliance, particularly in relation to privacy and security.
The HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping process involves several key criteria, each of which can be applied in different ways to drive efficiency.
Security is the central cornerstone of HITRUST and SOC 2, ensuring that organizations’ systems are protected against unauthorized access, whether through physical means or cyber threats. HITRUST provides a comprehensive set of controls to address these risks, while SOC 2 focuses on implementing these measures and making sure they are as effective as possible.
When mapping HITRUST controls to SOC 2’s security requirements, organizations must show proof of robust security infrastructure. They are required to document the technical and administrative controls that prevent unauthorized access and show that these measures are actively monitored and maintained.
By aligning HITRUST’s detailed security controls with SOC 2’s broader security criteria, businesses can create a strong defense against internal and external threats alike.
System reliability and availability are two signs that your operations are functioning as expected and can run with minimal downtime even in the face of disruption. HITRUST emphasizes the importance of data backup and disaster recovery. SOC 2 also requires organizations to demonstrate they have reliable systems that can meet agreed-upon service levels.
In the context of HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping, businesses need to align their disaster recovery and business continuity plans with SOC 2’s availability criteria. They need to ensure that their backup systems are regularly tested and updated and that there are clear procedures for restoring operations after a disruption.
Protecting the confidentiality of sensitive data is a major concern for both HITRUST and SOC 2 compliance. HITRUST mandates that companies implement strict controls over how sensitive information is stored, accessed, and transmitted. SOC 2’s confidentiality criteria aim to prevent disclosure to unauthorized parties.
How can you combine these requirements? There are several ways you can align HITRUST and SOC 2 in terms of data confidentiality. You might show how encryption protocols are applied to data at rest and in transit, and how access to confidential information is restricted to authorized personnel.
HITRUST addresses data processing integrity through controls that enforce things like data validation and change management procedures, which help prevent unauthorized alterations and facilitate correct data processing.
SOC 2 similarly requires organizations to maintain the integrity of their data processing systems to avoid errors and ensure accurate outcomes. To map HITRUST to SOC 2, you need to implement effective controls that validate inputs and detect and correct errors.
Privacy protection is paramount, especially for organizations that handle personal or sensitive information. SOC 2’s privacy criteria require that organizations manage personal data in accordance with their privacy policies and applicable laws. HITRUST also provides a set of controls to adhere to various privacy regulations, such as GDPR and HIPAA.
It should come as no surprise, then, that mapping these frameworks involves proving that robust privacy policies and procedures are in place. For instance, you may need to obtain the appropriate consent for data collection or establish secure methods for disposing of personal information when it is no longer needed.
Vendor risk management has become a necessity as businesses outsource more and more functions to third-party providers. Both HITRUST and SOC 2 require organizations to manage and mitigate third-party risks as part of their overall risk management strategy. To map HITRUST’s vendor management controls to SOC 2, you’ll need to prove that you conduct thorough due diligence on your vendors.
HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping is no easy feat, but there are a few tips you can follow to get started and ensure a successful outcome:
Make sure to get everybody on board. Offer compliance training to your employees and explain how it relates to frameworks like HITRUST and SOC 2. And don’t be afraid to seek external help if necessary.
If you’re struggling with HITRUST to SOC 2 mapping, you’re not alone. There’s a lot to consider about both of these frameworks and aligning them for maximum efficiency can be challenging, to say the least. That’s why Compyl offers a cloud-based solution to help businesses like yours streamline compliance. Contact us today to see how we can help your business comply with SOC 2 and HITRUST.
