The HITRUST CSF

The HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) is a comprehensive control framework that integrates requirements from over 40 authoritative sources including HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, PCI DSS, GDPR, and state-level regulations. The CSF is regularly updated — organizations should always work with the current version.

Framework Structure

The CSF is organized into control domains — broad categories of security requirements. Each domain contains control objectives describing what must be achieved, and control specifications defining specific requirements. The framework uses a risk-based approach where the applicable controls depend on organizational, system, and regulatory risk factors.

Control Domains

The CSF includes 14 control domains: information protection program, endpoint protection, portable media security, mobile device security, wireless security, configuration management, vulnerability management, network protection, transmission protection, password management, access control, audit logging and monitoring, education and training, and third-party assurance.

Risk-Based Scoping

Not every organization implements every control. HITRUST uses risk factors — including organization type, data types handled, system configuration, and regulatory environment — to determine which controls apply. This risk-based approach means a small SaaS company handling limited PHI may face fewer requirements than a large hospital system.

Maturity Scoring

HITRUST assesses controls on a maturity model with five levels: policy, procedures, implemented, measured, and managed. Each control is scored on a scale, and scores must meet minimum thresholds for certification. This maturity approach rewards organizations that not only implement controls but also monitor and improve them.

Cross-Framework Mapping

One of HITRUST's greatest values is its mapping to other frameworks. By implementing HITRUST controls, you simultaneously address requirements from HIPAA, ISO 27001, NIST, and others. HITRUST provides detailed mappings showing which CSF controls satisfy which requirements in each mapped framework.

In the next lesson, we will cover HITRUST assessment types.