HITRUST CSF
Certifiable framework harmonizing 60+ security standards
ISO 27017
International code for cloud security controls
Quick Verdict
HITRUST CSF delivers certifiable, multi-framework assurance for healthcare and beyond via tailored assessments, while ISO 27017 provides cloud-specific control guidance within ISO 27001 ISMS. Companies adopt HITRUST for validated reports; ISO 27017 for cloud risk management.
HITRUST CSF
HITRUST Common Security Framework
Key Features
- Harmonizes 60+ standards into certifiable controls
- Risk-based tailoring via structured risk factors
- Five-level maturity model from policy to managed
- Tiered assurance: e1 essentials, i1 implemented, r2 risk-based
- MyCSF platform for scoping, assessment, remediation
ISO 27017
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 Code of practice for cloud services
Key Features
- Clarifies shared responsibilities between CSPs and CSCs
- Adds 7 cloud-specific CLD security controls
- Provides guidance for 37 ISO 27002 cloud controls
- Addresses multi-tenancy segregation and VM hardening
- Enables customer monitoring of cloud activities
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 harmonizing over 60 standards like HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR. It employs a risk-based, maturity-driven approach with hierarchical controls across 19 domains.
Key Components
- 14 categories, 49 objectives, ~156 specifications organized into 19 assessment domains.
- Five-level maturity model: Policy, Procedure, Implemented, Measured, Managed.
- Tiered certifications: e1 (44 controls), i1 (182 requirements), r2 (tailored, 2-year).
- MyCSF platform for scoping, evidence, and reporting.
Why Organizations Use It
- Unified compliance for "assess once, report many."
- Credible third-party assurance reduces questionnaires.
- 99.41% breach-free rate among certified entities.
- Market differentiation in healthcare, finance.
Implementation Overview
Multi-phase: scoping, readiness, remediation (6-18 months), validated assessment by authorized assessors. Suited for regulated industries; requires policies, evidence, continuous monitoring.
ISO 27017 Details
What It Is
ISO/IEC 27017:2015 is a code of practice providing guidance on information security controls for cloud services, extending ISO/IEC 27002. It applies to CSPs and CSCs in public, private, hybrid clouds across IaaS, PaaS, SaaS, using a risk-based approach integrated into ISO 27001 ISMS.
Key Components
- 37 cloud-adapted controls from ISO 27002
- **7 new CLD cloud-specific controlsshared responsibilities, asset lifecycle, segregation, VM hardening, admin ops, monitoring, network controls
- Built on ISO 27001/27002 frameworks
- Assessed via ISO 27001 audits, no standalone certification
Why Organizations Use It
- Addresses cloud-specific risks like multi-tenancy, shared responsibility
- Enhances procurement trust, regulatory alignment (e.g., GDPR)
- Improves risk management, incident reduction
- Provides competitive differentiation for CSPs
- Builds global stakeholder confidence
Implementation Overview
- Integrate into ISO 27001 ISMS through risk assessment, SoA updates
- Activities: control mapping, hardening configs, responsibility matrices, tooling
- Suits cloud-reliant orgs globally, all sizes
- Joint audits (9-12 months), annual surveillance
Key Differences
| Aspect | HITRUST CSF | ISO 27017 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Harmonizes 60+ frameworks across 19 domains | Cloud-specific guidance for 44 controls |
| Industry | Healthcare-focused, industry-agnostic expansion | All industries using cloud services globally |
| Nature | Certifiable assurance program with MyCSF | Code of practice extending ISO 27002 |
| Testing | Validated assessments by authorized assessors | Integrated into ISO 27001 audits |
| Penalties | Loss of certification and market access | No direct penalties, ISMS nonconformities |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about HITRUST CSF and ISO 27017
HITRUST CSF FAQ
ISO 27017 FAQ
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