While SOC 2 and HITRUST are both created to help verify an organization’s ability to demonstrate effective security and privacy practices, they differ in a variety of ways. One of the main differences between a SOC 2 and HITRUST CSF is that a SOC 2 is an attestation report that is mapped to the COSO framework, while the ultimate goal of a HITRUST review is certification.
SOC 2 and HITRUST are both security frameworks, but SOC 2 is an attestation report based on the AICPA Trust Services Criteria, while HITRUST is a certifiable framework with defined control requirements and scoring.
SOC 2 vs HITRUST at a Glance
Key differences between SOC 2 and HITRUST include:
- Framework type: SOC 2 is an attestation; HITRUST is a certification
- Flexibility: SOC 2 allows custom controls; HITRUST uses predefined controls
- Assessment scope: SOC 2 is principle-based; HITRUST is prescriptive and risk-based
- Cost and effort: HITRUST is typically more resource-intensive than SOC 2
- Reporting: SOC 2 results in an audit report; HITRUST results in a certification score
SOC 2 vs HITRUST: Understanding the Frameworks
HITRUST CSF is a security and privacy framework, initially built on ISO 27001/27002. Over time, the CSF has evolved to include a significant number of standards, regulations, and business requirements, and is broken down into 14 high-level control categories, 49 control objectives, and 156 control specifications. HITRUST has 3 certification options varying by strength of assurance.
The AICPA SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria is a reporting framework assessed against one or more of 5 categories: security, availability, confidentiality, processing integrity, and privacy. The SOC 2 is meant for a broad range of users that need detailed information and assurance about the controls at a service organization relevant to these criteria of the systems the service organization uses to process users’ data and the confidentiality and privacy of the information processed by these systems.
SOC 2 vs HITRUST Options and Key Differences
The table below compares SOC 2 and HITRUST across key factors such as scope, flexibility, cost, and certification requirements.
| Characteristics | SOC 2 | HITRUST e1 | HITRUST i1 | HITRUST r2 |
| Length of Engagement | 6-12 weeks | 4-6 weeks | 6-8 weeks | 12-16 weeks |
| Who is the Governing Body? | AICPA | HITRUST Alliance | ||
| Who can conduct the audit? | CPA Firm | HITRUST Authorized External Assessor | ||
| How is the audit conducted? | Against a company’s controls mapped to the AICPA’s Trust Services Criteria (Security, plus any mix of Availability, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity, & Privacy) | Against defined HITRUST requirements. | Against defined HITRUST requirements. | Against HITRUST requirements. Regulatory & some scoping factors are at the company’s discretion to include or not include, impacting the number of requirements. |
| How is the audit reported? | Independent attestation report issued by the CPA firm | Provides a numerical range grade with a certain score required for certification – the certification report is issued by HITRUST. | ||
| How much flexibility does the framework provide? | Trust Services Criteria supplied by AICPA must be met but can select the optional criteria and has flexibility in defining management’s own controls | 44 defined requirements | 182 defined requirements | Average of 360 requirements. The number of control requirement statements varies based on a risk-based approach to scale and select controls based on inherent risk factors and targeted authoritative sources. |
| What is the period of coverage? | A point in time (type 1) or reporting period of 6-12 months (type 2) | HITRUST is a forward looking (1 or 2 year) certification, but all requirements must be in place for 90 days in order to be included in the assessment. | ||
| Does it require a maturity rating to be established for controls? | No – while controls aren’t scored based on maturity model, a certain maturation should be in place to satisfy the applicable Trust Services Criteria | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| What is the lifetime of certification? | SOC reports are independent assertions on management’s controls by an independent CPA firm and are generally accepted for 1 year after issuance. | 1 year certification | 1 year certification; year 2 rapid recertification available | 2 year certification, with an interim assessment due by the 1 year anniversary of certification |
How to Choose Between SOC 2 and HITRUST
The key to knowing which report to use relates to your own company’s security goals as well as understanding customer contractual obligations, needs and wants and what your organization requires from its audit process. Here’s some questions to consider:
- What are the needs of our current or prospective clients, stakeholders, and references of the requirements outlined within any business agreements?
- How important are time and budget requirements?
- What flexibility do I need for my control environment?
Customer contracts, budget, timing, and scope needs can answer the question of which assessment is needed. The organization’s decision should be made with full management support. The SOC 2 provides a more flexible control definition as management defines the controls mapped to the required criteria and is often a more budget friendly option as fees are only paid to the CPA firm, whereas HITRUST requires fees both to HITRUST and the Authorized External Assessor firm with rigid requirements defined by HITRUST. HITRUST provides a certification that is frequently updated, both from a requirement and methodology standpoint as well as adapting to new threats in the security landscape.
Can You Use SOC 2 and HITRUST Together?
Organizations who require both SOC 2 reporting and HITRUST CSF certification can realize significant time efficiencies and cost savings with a joint assessment, which leverages the synergies between the HITRUST CSF and AICPA TSC.
A SOC 2 + HITRUST CSF report is issued by a CPA firm expressing an opinion on the fairness of the presentation of management’s description of controls and the suitability of design and operating effectiveness of controls relevant to the security, availability, and confidentiality trust services criteria, as well as the HITRUST CSF. If the CPA firm is not also an approved HITRUST assessor, they must license the HITRUST CSF framework for use. The CPA firm is attesting that the controls, including those identified from the HITRUST framework, were appropriately designed and operating effectively. Additionally, the work is subject to AICPA standard, as any SOC report is required to be.
Whichever option is best for your organization, choosing the right audit partner with experience is key. The primary success factor is working with your audit partner to make sure that your goals are clearly identified, timing is defined, and all reporting options are known upfront.
Not sure whether SOC 2 or HITRUST is right for your organization? LBMC’s cybersecurity team can help you evaluate your requirements, align with client expectations, and choose the most effective path forward. Contact LBMC to learn more and get started on a consultation!
Content provided by LBMC cybersecurity professional, Robyn Barton.
SOC 2 vs HITRUST FAQs
What is the main difference between SOC 2 and HITRUST?
SOC 2 is an attestation report based on the AICPA Trust Services Criteria, while HITRUST is a certifiable framework with predefined controls and scoring requirements.
Is HITRUST more rigorous than SOC 2?
Generally, yes. HITRUST includes more prescriptive and detailed control requirements, making it more structured but also more resource-intensive than SOC 2.
Do you need both SOC 2 and HITRUST?
Some organizations pursue both to meet different client or regulatory requirements. A combined approach can create efficiencies by aligning overlapping controls.
Which is better: SOC 2 or HITRUST?
It depends on your organization’s goals, industry requirements, and client expectations. SOC 2 offers flexibility, while HITRUST provides a standardized certification.
