HITRUST CSF
Certifiable framework harmonizing 60+ security standards
FedRAMP
U.S. government program standardizing cloud security authorization.
Quick Verdict
HITRUST CSF delivers voluntary, certifiable assurance harmonizing 60+ standards for healthcare and regulated sectors, while FedRAMP mandates NIST-based cloud authorization for U.S. federal agencies. Organizations adopt HITRUST for multi-framework efficiency; FedRAMP unlocks government contracts.
HITRUST CSF
HITRUST Common Security Framework
Key Features
- Harmonizes 60+ frameworks into certifiable control library
- Risk-tailored scoping via organizational factors and MyCSF
- Five-level maturity model from policy to managed
- Tiered assessments: e1 essentials, i1 implemented, r2 risk-based
- Inheritance from cloud providers reduces duplication
FedRAMP
Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program
Key Features
- Assess once, use many times reusability across agencies
- NIST 800-53 controls at Low, Moderate, High impact levels
- Independent 3PAO assessments for rigorous validation
- Continuous monitoring with monthly vulnerability reporting
- FedRAMP Marketplace for authorized CSP listings
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
HITRUST CSF Details
What It Is
HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a certifiable, threat-adaptive control framework that consolidates requirements from 60+ authoritative sources including HIPAA, NIST SP 800-53, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR. Its risk-based methodology tailors controls through structured scoping of organizational, system, and regulatory factors.
Key Components
- 19 assessment domains spanning governance, protective controls, and resilience.
- Hierarchical library: 14 categories, 49 objectives, ~156 specifications.
- **Five-level maturity modelpolicy (15%), procedure (20%), implemented (40%), measured (10%), managed (15%).
- **Tiered assurancee1 (44 controls), i1 (182 requirements), r2 (tailored, 2-year validity); powered by MyCSF platform.
Why Organizations Use It
- Rationalizes multi-regulatory compliance (assess once, report many).
- Delivers validated third-party assurance for stakeholders.
- Enhances maturity, reduces breaches (99.4% breach-free certified environments).
- Supports market access, insurance benefits, TPRM efficiency.
Implementation Overview
Phased approach: scoping/gap analysis, remediation, validated assessment by Authorized External Assessors, HITRUST QA. Ideal for healthcare/regulatory sectors; requires evidence management, ~90-day operationalization. Multi-quarter effort for r2 certification.
FedRAMP Details
What It Is
FedRAMP (Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program) is a U.S. government-wide framework standardizing security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud services used by federal agencies. Its risk-based approach leverages NIST SP 800-53 controls across Low, Moderate, and High impact levels, enabling "assess once, use many times."
Key Components
- NIST 800-53 Rev 5 baselines: ~156 (Low), ~323 (Moderate), ~410 (High) controls, plus LI-SaaS for low-risk SaaS.
- Core artifacts: SSP, SAR, POA&M, continuous monitoring plans.
- Built on FIPS 199 categorization; uses 3PAOs for independent assessments.
- Compliance via Agency or Program Authorizations, listed in FedRAMP Marketplace.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unlocks federal contracts (e.g., $20M+ potential).
- Meets OMB/FISMA mandates for cloud providers.
- Reduces risk duplication; builds stakeholder trust.
- Competitive edge as security badge for commercial sales.
Implementation Overview
- Phased: preparation, 3PAO assessment, authorization, monitoring.
- Targets cloud providers for federal work; suits mid-to-large CSPs.
- Requires 3PAO audits, extensive documentation; 12-18 months typical.
Key Differences
| Aspect | HITRUST CSF | FedRAMP |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Harmonizes 60+ frameworks across 19 domains | NIST 800-53 cloud security baselines |
| Industry | Healthcare, regulated industries, industry-agnostic | U.S. federal agencies, cloud providers |
| Nature | Voluntary certifiable framework | Mandatory U.S. government authorization |
| Testing | Authorized assessors, maturity scoring | 3PAO independent assessments |
| Penalties | Loss of certification, market access | Loss of federal contracts, delisting |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HITRUST CSF and FedRAMP
HITRUST CSF FAQ
FedRAMP FAQ
You Might also be Interested in These Articles...
The CIS Controls v8.1 Evidence Pack: What Auditors Ask For (and How to Produce Proof Fast)
Fail CIS Controls v8.1 audits due to missing evidence? Get the blueprint: exact artifacts auditors want, repository structure, and automation from security tool
TISAX Tabletop Exercises for EV Battery Suppliers: Ransomware Drill Scripts and AAR Templates with 2025 ENX Podcast Breakdown
Practical TISAX tabletop scripts for EV battery suppliers facing 'Very High' ASLP. Download ransomware AAR templates, get 2024 ENX lessons & 2025 podcast on VDA
You Guide on how to Start Implementing NIST CSF in Your Organization
Master NIST CSF implementation in your organization with this detailed guide. Learn core functions, key steps, best practices, and tips for cybersecurity succes
Run Maturity Assessments with GRADUM
Transform your compliance journey with our AI-powered assessment platform
Assess your organization's maturity across multiple standards and regulations including ISO 27001, DORA, NIS2, NIST, GDPR, and hundreds more. Get actionable insights and track your progress with collaborative, AI-powered evaluations.
Check out these other Gradum.io Standards Comparison Pages
CCPA vs ISO 41001
Discover CCPA vs ISO 41001: Compare privacy law compliance & facility mgmt standards. Master risks, strategies & implementation for business resilience now!
AS9100 vs Australian Privacy Act
AS9100 vs Australian Privacy Act: Compare aerospace quality standards with privacy laws for seamless compliance. Mitigate risks, ensure data security & gain market edge. Expert insights await!
FISMA vs SQF
Compare FISMA vs SQF: Federal cybersecurity (NIST RMF) meets GFSI food safety (HACCP). Key differences, pitfalls, strategies for compliance & resilience. Master both now!