Standards Comparison

    HITRUST CSF

    Voluntary
    2022

    Certifiable framework harmonizing 60+ security standards

    VS

    ISO 30301

    Voluntary
    2019

    International standard for records management systems.

    Quick Verdict

    HITRUST CSF delivers certifiable security assurance harmonizing 60+ frameworks for healthcare and regulated sectors, while ISO 30301 establishes auditable records management systems for any organization. Companies adopt HITRUST for third-party trust and compliance efficiency; ISO 30301 for evidentiary governance and legal defensibility.

    Information Security

    HITRUST CSF

    HITRUST Common Security Framework

    Cost
    €€€
    Complexity
    Medium
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • Harmonizes 60+ frameworks into certifiable assessment
    • Risk-based tailoring via structured questionnaires
    • Five-level maturity model for controls
    • Centralized HITRUST validation and certification
    • MyCSF platform enables inheritance and scoping
    Records Management

    ISO 30301

    ISO 30301:2019 Management systems for records requirements

    Cost
    €€€€
    Complexity
    High
    Implementation Time
    12-18 months

    Key Features

    • High-Level Structure for MSS integration
    • Normative Annex A operational controls
    • Explicit records requirements analysis (4.1.2)
    • Flexible conformity pathways (self-declare/certify)
    • Top management accountability and policy

    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 frameworks like HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR. Its primary purpose is providing risk-tailored, standardized assurance for regulated industries, using a control-based, maturity-driven approach with hierarchical taxonomy across 19 domains.

    Key Components

    • 19 assessment domains (e.g., Access Control, Risk Management, Incident Management)
    • 14 categories, 49 objectives, ~156 specifications with tiered levels
    • Built on ISO 27001/27002, NIST PRISMA maturity model
    • e1/i1/r2 certification paths with MyCSF platform for scoping, evidence, validation

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Consolidates compliance for "assess once, report many"
    • Builds stakeholder trust via independent certification
    • Reduces third-party risk, cyber insurance costs
    • Provides market differentiation in healthcare, finance

    Implementation Overview

    • Phased: scoping, readiness, remediation, validated assessment
    • Key activities: MyCSF tailoring, evidence automation, CAPs
    • Suited for mid-to-large regulated firms globally
    • Requires Authorized Assessors, HITRUST QA for certification

    ISO 30301 Details

    What It Is

    ISO 30301:2019 is the international standard specifying requirements for a Management System for Records (MSR). It provides a certifiable framework to establish, implement, maintain, and improve records processes ensuring authoritative, reliable evidence of business activities. Applicable to any organization, it uses a risk-based, High-Level Structure (HLS) approach aligning with other ISO management systems.

    Key Components

    • **Clauses 4–10Context, leadership, planning, support, operation, performance evaluation, improvement.
    • **Clause 8 & Annex ARecords lifecycle controls (creation, capture, access, retention, disposition).
    • Built on ISO 15489 principles (authenticity, reliability, integrity, usability).
    • Flexible conformity: self-declaration, external confirmation, or third-party certification.

    Why Organizations Use It

    • Ensures compliance, auditability, and transparency.
    • Mitigates risks like data loss, litigation, regulatory fines.
    • Boosts efficiency, decision-making, stakeholder trust.
    • Integrates with ISO 9001, 27001 for competitive edge.

    Implementation Overview

    Phased approach: gap analysis, policy design, operational controls, training, audits. Suited for all sizes/industries; 12-18 months typical, voluntary certification optional.

    Key Differences

    Scope

    HITRUST CSF
    Security/privacy controls, 19 domains, threat-adaptive
    ISO 30301
    Records management system, lifecycle governance

    Industry

    HITRUST CSF
    Healthcare primary, all regulated sectors globally
    ISO 30301
    Any organization, all sectors worldwide

    Nature

    HITRUST CSF
    Certifiable control framework, voluntary assurance
    ISO 30301
    Certifiable management system standard, voluntary

    Testing

    HITRUST CSF
    Maturity-scored validated assessments, e1/i1/r2
    ISO 30301
    Internal audits, management review, certification audits

    Penalties

    HITRUST CSF
    Loss of certification, no legal penalties
    ISO 30301
    Loss of certification, no direct legal penalties

    Frequently Asked Questions

    Common questions about HITRUST CSF and ISO 30301

    HITRUST CSF FAQ

    ISO 30301 FAQ

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