Overview
Info
The HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework) is a certifiable framework developed by the Health Information Trust Alliance (HITRUST) to help organizations manage compliance and risk. Version 9 (v9) enhances integration with existing standards and supports broad sector adoption.
Initially designed for the healthcare industry, HITRUST CSF now spans multiple sectors, combining security, privacy, and regulatory requirements into a unified framework.
Purpose
- Provide a comprehensive, scalable approach to information risk management
- Support compliance with HIPAA, ISO, NIST, PCI DSS, GDPR, and more
- Offer a certification process recognized by business partners and regulators
Core Features
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Harmonized Controls
Integrates requirements from dozens of frameworks into a single control set. -
Risk-Based Tailoring
Controls are customized based on organization size, data types, systems, and risk factors. -
Maturity Model
Each control is assessed across five levels: Policy, Process, Implemented, Measured, and Managed. -
Assessment Options
- Self-assessment
- Validated assessment (by a HITRUST Authorized External Assessor)
- HITRUST certification (most rigorous level)
Version 9 Highlights
Note
HITRUST CSF v9 brought updates for stronger alignment with GDPR, NIST SP 800-171, and FFIEC, and improved scalability for smaller organizations.
- Enhanced mapping to global regulations
- Updated control baselines and inheritance options
- Greater flexibility in tailoring assessments
Who Uses It
- Healthcare providers and payers
- Cloud service providers handling sensitive data
- Organizations seeking third-party assurance
Summary
Tip
HITRUST CSF v9 is ideal for organizations that need a comprehensive, certifiable framework to prove compliance across multiple regulations and reduce the audit burden.
- Broad industry acceptance
- Supports regulatory and contractual compliance
- Scalable and certifiable security framework
HITRUST CSF is a certification-driven framework.
✅ Certifiable: Organizations can undergo a validated assessment by a HITRUST Authorized External Assessor to earn HITRUST Certification, which is recognized by regulators and business partners. 🧩 Assessment Levels: - Self-assessment: Internal use only - Validated Assessment: Third-party reviewed - Certified Assessment: HITRUST-reviewed and officially certified (valid for 2 years with interim review) 📊 Maturity Model-Based: Certification is awarded based on demonstrated maturity across control implementation (policy → managed).
Tip
Certification is voluntary but often required in healthcare and adjacent industries to demonstrate due diligence, reduce risk, and meet third-party security expectations.