WCAG
Global standard for accessible web content for disabilities
HITRUST CSF
Certifiable framework harmonizing 60+ security standards
Quick Verdict
WCAG ensures web accessibility for disabled users via testable criteria, adopted globally for compliance and UX. HITRUST CSF delivers certifiable security for regulated sectors like healthcare, harmonizing 60+ standards for assurance and risk management.
WCAG
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1
Key Features
- POUR principles organize accessibility into perceivable, operable, understandable, robust
- Testable success criteria at conformance levels A, AA, AAA
- Technology-agnostic requirements with stable normative core
- Backward-compatible additive updates preserve policy continuity
- Conformance mandates full pages, complete processes, non-interference
HITRUST CSF
HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF)
Key Features
- Harmonizes 60+ frameworks for assess once, report many
- Risk-based tailoring with organizational/system factors
- Maturity model scoring across five levels
- Certifiable via centralized HITRUST QA and assessors
- MyCSF platform for scoping, evidence, remediation
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
WCAG Details
What It Is
Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 is a W3C recommendation, technology-agnostic framework for making web content accessible to people with disabilities. Its primary purpose is to provide testable success criteria covering visual, auditory, motor, cognitive needs. Key approach: layered model separating stable normative requirements from evolvable techniques.
Key Components
- **POUR principlesPerceivable, Operable, Understandable, Robust.
- 13 guidelines, ~80 success criteria at levels A, AA, AAA.
- Informative techniques, failures, understanding docs.
- Conformance model requires full pages, complete processes, accessibility-supported tech, non-interference.
Why Organizations Use It
Reduces legal risks (ADA, Section 508, EAA); enables procurement; improves UX, conversion, SEO. Builds stakeholder trust, expands market to 1B+ disabled users, avoids litigation costs.
Implementation Overview
Phased: policy, assessment, remediation via design systems, CI/CD tools, training. Applies to all web-publishing orgs globally; no certification but VPAT/ACR for claims, audits recommended.
HITRUST CSF Details
What It Is
HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a certifiable, threat-adaptive control framework consolidating requirements from 60+ regulations and standards like HIPAA, NIST, ISO 27001, PCI DSS, and GDPR. It employs a risk-based approach with structured tailoring via organizational, system, and regulatory factors.
Key Components
- 19 assessment domains (e.g., Access Control, Risk Management, Incident Management)
- Hierarchical structure: 14 categories, 49 objectives, ~156 specifications
- Five-level maturity model (Policy, Procedure, Implemented, Measured, Managed)
- Tiered certifications: e1 (44 controls), i1 (182 requirements), r2 (tailored, 2-year)
Why Organizations Use It
- Harmonizes compliance for "assess once, report many"
- Provides credible third-party assurance via validated reports
- Reduces breach risk (99.4% breach-free certified environments)
- Enables market access in healthcare/finance; lowers insurance premiums
Implementation Overview
- Phased: scoping, readiness, remediation, validated assessment via MyCSF platform
- Involves policies, evidence collection, assessor testing
- Suited for regulated industries; any size with tailoring
- Requires Authorized External Assessors for certification (180 words)
Key Differences
| Aspect | WCAG | HITRUST CSF |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Web content accessibility for disabilities | Security/privacy controls across 19 domains |
| Industry | All industries, global web content | Healthcare primary, regulated sectors |
| Nature | Voluntary W3C guidelines, conformance claims | Certifiable framework with assessments |
| Testing | Automated/manual, user testing, no certification | Validated assessments by external assessors |
| Penalties | Litigation risk, no direct penalties | Certification loss, contract/reputation impact |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about WCAG and HITRUST CSF
WCAG FAQ
HITRUST CSF FAQ
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