ISO 27001 vs. HIPAA: the key differences

If you’re new to compliance regulations, all the different terms being thrown around can be puzzling. One of the questions we often get is: I hear about ISO27001 and HIPAA, but what are the differences? And more importantly, which one should my organization comply with?

If you’ve asked yourself those questions too, you’ve come to the right place.

What is ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is the most well-known international standard for managing information security. It provides a framework that helps organizations from any industry to protect their data from various threats. It’s become a standard that many organizations choose to comply with to ensure their data is safe and to show partnering companies and customers that they invest in their information security.

→ ISO 27001 for dummies: the definitive guide

What is HIPAA?

HIPAA is acronym for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. It’s an American law designed to protect sensitive patient health information in the country. HIPAA sets rules for how healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates handle and protect patient data. As an American healthcare organization, chances are high you have to comply with HIPAA.

Key differences between ISO 27001 and HIPAA

While both aim to protect sensitive information, ISO 27001 and HIPAA are different in several ways. Here are the main differences:

1. Scope and Applicability

• ISO 27001:
  • Scope: International.
  • Applicability: Any organization, regardless of size or industry, that wants to implement an information security management system (ISMS).
  • Focus: Broad focus on overall information security.
• HIPAA:
  • Scope: Only relevant for America.
  • Applicability: Specific to healthcare providers, insurers, and their business associates.
  • Focus: Narrow focus on protecting health information, a.k.a. PHI.

2. Type of Standard

• ISO 27001:
  • Type: Voluntary international standard. There is now law that enforces any organization to comply with this standard. However, many organizations require their entire supply chain to comply with this standard to ensure information security throughout the supply chain.
  • Certification: Organizations can choose to get certified by an accredited body to demonstrate compliance.
• HIPAA:
  • Type: Mandatory U.S. federal law.
  • Certification: There is no official HIPAA certification. Compliance is monitored by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).

3. Framework and Controls

• ISO 27001:
  • Framework: Based on the Plan-Do-Check-Act (PDCA) cycle.
  • Controls: Contains 114 controls grouped into 14 categories, addressing various aspects of information security like access control, cryptography, and incident management.
• HIPAA:
  • Framework: Consists of the Privacy Rule, Security Rule, and Breach Notification Rule.
  • Controls: Specific requirements for safeguarding PHI, including administrative, physical, and technical safeguards.

4. Implementation and Compliance

• ISO 27001:
  • Implementation: Organizations develop their own ISMS (sorry, another difficult term, it’s information security management system) tailored to their needs and risks.
  • Compliance: Regular audits by external auditors if the organization seeks certification.
• HIPAA:
  • Implementation: Healthcare entities must follow detailed legal requirements.
  • Compliance: Subject to audits and enforcement by HHS, with potential fines for non-compliance.

5. Risk Management

• ISO 27001:
  • Approach: Emphasizes a risk-based approach. Organizations identify risks to their information and apply appropriate controls to mitigate them.
• HIPAA:
  • Approach: Also requires a risk analysis but is more prescriptive about specific protections for PHI.

Conclusion

While ISO 27001 and HIPAA both aim to protect sensitive information, they do so in different ways and for different audiences.

The ISO 27001 standard is internationally accepted throughout all industries, but not mandatory by law. However, many organizations require their supply chain to comply with this standard.

The HIPAA standard is enforced by US law and is only relevant for healthcare organizations and relevant partners.

Looking to implement either of these two standards? Find a fitting consultant in your area that can help you out.