It’s an unfortunate sign of the times that data breaches and privacy concerns are increasingly posing significant risks.

In fact, 83% of the organizations IBM Security studied in their annual Cost of a Data Breach report have had more than one data breach.

While it’s crucial to the survival of your business that you establish robust security practices and regulatory compliance, exploring your options for compliance and cybersecurity can turn into a complex chore.

Welcome to our blog where we explore the world of HITRUST (Health Information Trust Alliance). HITRUST has emerged as a leader in providing an agnostic framework for managing an organization’s security, privacy, and compliance risks.

Let’s take a look at the key factors and strategies that can help your business harness the full potential of the HITRUST program.

Comprehensive Risk Management

The management consulting company Gartner recommends that security and risk management leaders develop a holistic approach to security, so that security is managed in a coordinated effort.

HITRUST takes a comprehensive approach rather than focusing on a single aspect, such as technical controls or regulatory requirements. It encompasses a wide array of factors to provide a well-rounded strategy for managing risks.

The HITRUST program enables organizations to streamline their compliance efforts by aligning multiple regulatory requirements into a single framework. It provides a standardized set of controls that satisfy the requirements of various industry regulations, including HIPAA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS.

“By implementing the HITRUST framework, organizations can elevate compliance, reduce audit fatigue, and provide stakeholders with assurance that their security and privacy practices are up to industry standards,” said Ryan Winkler, Practice Director at 360 Advanced who oversees HITRUST.

Boost Third-Party Risk Management

In today’s interconnected business ecosystem, organizations often rely on third-party vendors and partners. However, these relationships introduce additional security and compliance risks. One in five data breaches occurred because of a compromise at a business partner, according to IBM’s report.

The HITRUST program offers a comprehensive methodology for evaluating and managing third-party risks. This enables your organization to establish a standardized and consistent approach to assess and monitor the compliance posture of your vendors, ensuring high standards of security and privacy.

Strengthen Your Culture

An astonishing 95% of cybersecurity breaches are caused by human error, according to World Economic Forum’s Global Risks Report. Unlocking the full potential of the HITRUST program requires a culture that values and prioritizes security and compliance.

“True cybersecurity requires a cultural shift,” Winkler said. “By employing the HITRUST framework, employees are inherently empowered to help build a security-conscious culture.”

Enhancing your culture to embrace security and compliance involves providing training and education to employees, establishing clear security policies and procedures, and encouraging a mindset of proactive risk management.

“By ingraining security into the organization’s DNA, organizations can create a culture where HITRUST practices become ingrained in daily operations,” Winkler said, “fostering a culture of security awareness and accountability across all levels of your organization.”

Improve and Innovate

By leveraging the HITRUST framework’s risk management practices, organizations can gain a deeper understanding of their risk landscape.

The HITRUST program is designed to evolve alongside the ever-changing threat landscape and regulatory requirements. Organizations that adopt a mindset of continuous improvement and innovation are better able to unlock the full potential of the HITRUST program.

“By continuously evolving and adapting, businesses can leverage the HITRUST program as a strategic advantage to stay ahead in the face of emerging risks,” Winkler said.

Seek Professional Guidance

With professionals on the HITRUST External Assessor Council, the team at 360 Advanced is uniquely suited to help you navigate the complexities of HITRUST.

By embracing HITRUST, you can strengthen your organization’s security posture, boost compliance practices, and build trust among your customers and partners.

Get in touch with our professionals to discuss how you can unlock the potential of your HITRUST program—and tap into the full potential of your business.

Want to learn more? Watch our June 2023 HITRUST webinar.