Organizations that handle sensitive data—protected health information (PHI), financial data, or customer credentials—must prove they follow strong security and privacy controls. Two of the most widely recognized frameworks for demonstrating this are HITRUST and SOC 2.

Although both aim to ensure data protection, they differ significantly in structure, scope, effort, and industry relevance. This guide walks you through the core differences and helps you determine which best fits your organization or your third-party vendors.

What is SOC 2?

SOC 2 is an attestation framework developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). It assesses how well an organization protects data based on one or more of the five Trust Services Criteria (TSC):

1. Security: Protection of information and systems against unauthorized access, disclosure, and damage

2. Availability: Accessibility of systems as stipulated by service-level agreements

3. Processing Integrity: Assurance that systems process data accurately, entirely, and on time

4. Confidentiality: Measures to protect confidential business and personal data

5. Privacy: Controls around personal information collection, usage, and disposal

SOC 2 reports come in two forms:

1. Type I – Reviews the design of security controls at a specific point in time

2. Type II – Examines the operational effectiveness of controls over a period (typically 3 to 12 months)

Licensed CPA firms perform SOC 2 audits. The final output is an auditor's report describing how effectively the selected controls align with the TSC. Organizations can choose which criteria to include in their scope, making SOC 2 adaptable to various business models and risk profiles.

SOC 2 is widely accepted across industries such as SaaS, fintech, cloud services, and professional services, especially for organizations that host or process customer data.

What is HITRUST?

HITRUST provides a certifiable framework called the HITRUST CSF (Common Security Framework). Initially built for healthcare, HITRUST now serves multiple sectors by integrating standards and regulations such as:

1. HIPAA

2. NIST 800-53

3. ISO/IEC 27001

4. PCI DSS

5. GDPR

6. COBIT

The HITRUST CSF doesn't allow organizations to define their controls. Instead, it uses a risk-based methodology to assign control requirements based on an organization's size, complexity, systems used, and data classification. This standardized and prescriptive approach ensures consistency and maturity in security implementations.

HITRUST offers three assurance levels:

1. e1 (Essentials): A lightweight assessment for vendors with low data risk exposure

2. i1 (Implemented): For vendors needing moderate assurance with a faster certification cycle

3. r2 (Risk-based): The most comprehensive level involving rigorous testing of both implemented and operational controls

The HITRUST certification process involves readiness assessments, gap remediation, an externally validated assessment by an authorized HITRUST assessor, and a final review by the HITRUST Alliance before certification is issued. Certifications are valid for two years and require interim reviews to maintain status.

Key Differences Between HITRUST and SOC 2

1. Flexibility vs. Standardization

SOC 2 allows organizations to define how they meet the Trust Services Criteria. This flexibility will enable companies to design controls that align closely with their unique business operations and infrastructure.

HITRUST takes a structured approach. Organizations must implement control requirements defined by HITRUST based on internal factors like the systems in use, regulatory exposure, and industry verticals. This makes it more consistent but less flexible.

2. Outcome of the Assessment

SOC 2 culminates in an attestation report issued by an independent CPA. It states whether the controls are effectively designed and/or operated over a defined period. However, SOC 2 does not result in a "certification."

HITRUST results in a formal certification that confirms the organization has met industry-recognized security and privacy requirements. This can be more persuasive for highly regulated industries or high-risk vendors.

3. Scope and Industry Adoption

SOC 2 is used broadly across many industries, especially in the tech sector. It suits organizations that must demonstrate baseline security practices to clients and stakeholders.

HITRUST is preferred in regulated environments like healthcare, life sciences, and finance. It's particularly effective for organizations that must comply with multiple frameworks simultaneously.

4. Time, Cost, and Complexity

SOC 2 engagements, which have relatively low costs, can be completed in 3–6 months. Many startups and mid-size companies use SOC 2 as a stepping stone to broader compliance programs.

HITRUST requires significantly more resources. Depending on the level (e1, i1, or r2), certification can take between 6 and 18 months and involve detailed documentation, remediation, and ongoing monitoring. Costs are higher due to the framework's prescriptive nature and the involvement of both external assessors and HITRUST itself.

5. Ongoing Maintenance

SOC 2 reports are updated when the organization conducts a new audit or moves from Type I to Type II. It allows some flexibility in timing.

HITRUST certifications are valid for two years but require an interim assessment at the one-year mark to confirm that the security posture remains intact. This ensures continuous compliance but demands ongoing effort.

Which Is Better for Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM)?

SOC 2 is frequently used in TPRM programs to evaluate cloud and IT vendors. Its structured report format makes it easy for risk managers to assess a third party's security controls. SOC 2 Type II reports are especially valuable because they demonstrate that controls have been appropriately designed and operated effectively over time.

However, SOC 2 does not confirm alignment with specific regulatory standards. This limitation may require additional review or control mapping for organizations that handle regulated data or are part of a highly controlled supply chain.

HITRUST is ideal for vendors processing PHI or financial data or working in environments governed by HIPAA, NIST, or ISO. Because it provides a certification, HITRUST simplifies third-party assessments by confirming that the vendor adheres to a specific, standardized set of controls. This can save time and reduce risk for organizations managing large numbers of third parties.

If your organization operates in healthcare or works with critical infrastructure, requiring HITRUST certification from key third parties can significantly reduce your compliance burden and enhance trust across the supply chain.

Companies may sometimes request SOC 2 and HITRUST to cover all assurance needs. HITRUST assessments now include mappings to SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria, allowing vendors to pursue both with less duplication of effort.

When to Choose SOC 2

1. You are a cloud-based or SaaS business without heavy regulatory pressure

2. You need a faster, more affordable way to demonstrate security controls

3. Your clients request proof of due diligence, but do not require certification

4. You're at an early stage and building toward broader compliance maturity

When to Choose HITRUST

1. You operate in healthcare, life sciences, or other regulated industries

2. You handle PHI, financial data, or data under multiple compliance mandates

3. Your clients require formal certification aligned with HIPAA, NIST, or ISO

4. You want a single, comprehensive framework to satisfy various regulations and client expectations