SOC 2 and HIPAA: Study on Compliance Overlap
Post Summary
SOC 2 and HIPAA share many overlapping requirements, allowing healthcare organizations to streamline compliance efforts. By aligning controls, such as access management, encryption, and risk assessments, organizations can reduce redundant work by 30–40% and cut compliance preparation time from 9–12 months to 4–5 months. This dual compliance approach not only simplifies audits but also strengthens data protection, especially as healthcare breaches have risen by 256% in recent years.
Key points:
- SOC 2 focuses on protecting data through five Trust Services Criteria: Security, Availability, Processing Integrity, Confidentiality, and Privacy.
- HIPAA mandates safeguards for Protected Health Information (PHI) under its Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules.
- Shared controls include encryption, audit logging, risk management, and access control.
- SOC 2 is voluntary, while HIPAA is legally required for healthcare entities handling PHI.
- Dual compliance reduces internal effort from 550–600 hours annually to around 75 hours with automation. Tools like Censinet Connect™ Copilot can further accelerate this by automating security questionnaires.
SOC 2 and HIPAA Compliance Overlap: Control Mapping and Benefits
SOC 2 vs HIPAA Compliance: What’s the Difference?
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Research Findings on Compliance Overlap
Recent studies highlight a notable overlap between SOC 2 confidentiality standards and HIPAA requirements. For healthcare organizations, this alignment represents an opportunity to streamline compliance efforts by leveraging shared controls instead of approaching the two frameworks as entirely separate initiatives.
The practical benefits of this overlap are evident. Research shows that unified controls can significantly ease compliance efforts and reduce resource demands. For example, implementing a unified compliance program has been shown to cut audit readiness timelines from 9–12 months down to 4–5 months [2].
Key areas where the two frameworks align include access control, audit logging, encryption, third-party risk management, and workforce training. Both SOC 2 and HIPAA emphasize technical safeguards like unique user IDs, transmission security, and data integrity measures. They also share requirements for physical security, such as restricted facility access and secure disposal of devices [2]. These shared priorities provide a strong foundation for healthcare organizations to integrate their compliance strategies effectively.
Why the Overlap Matters for Healthcare Organizations
Recognizing and utilizing this overlap can lead to significant cost savings and operational efficiencies. As of 2020, HIPAA applied to approximately 2.7 million healthcare organizations in the U.S. [3], many of which now face growing pressure to achieve SOC 2 certification as well.
"Synergizing and consolidating these controls in relationship with one another could help reduce redundancy and help organizations get the most from IT and cybersecurity investments." - Moss Adams [4]
By consolidating controls to meet the requirements of both frameworks, healthcare organizations can minimize audit fatigue and eliminate redundant efforts. For instance, implementing encryption for data at rest and in transit satisfies both HIPAA’s technical safeguards and SOC 2’s confidentiality requirements. Similarly, a comprehensive risk analysis addresses HIPAA’s administrative requirements while meeting SOC 2’s risk assessment criteria [2].
This dual approach not only simplifies compliance but also strengthens the protection of sensitive information. Considering that the average cost of a healthcare data breach in 2024 reached $7.42 million - about 40% higher than the global average [2] - integrating these frameworks offers both regulatory compliance and a stronger security posture. However, while these overlaps bring clear advantages, it’s equally important to understand how SOC 2 and HIPAA differ.
Where SOC 2 and HIPAA Differ
Despite their similarities, SOC 2 compliance alone does not fully meet HIPAA requirements [5]. The two frameworks diverge in several critical areas that healthcare organizations must address separately.
HIPAA includes healthcare-specific mandates, such as detailed breach notification rules and explicit protections for Protected Health Information (PHI), which SOC 2 does not cover [5]. Additionally, the scope of data each framework addresses differs. HIPAA focuses exclusively on PHI, while SOC 2 applies to a broader range of information, including financial data, customer records, and intellectual property [5].
Another key distinction lies in flexibility. SOC 2 allows organizations to select which Trust Services Criteria - such as Security, Availability, or Confidentiality - they want to include in their audit. In contrast, HIPAA’s Privacy, Security, and Breach Notification Rules are mandatory for all covered entities and business associates.
To navigate these differences, organizations should conduct a crosswalk analysis to map overlapping controls between HIPAA and SOC 2. This process can help identify gaps that require additional measures to ensure full compliance with both frameworks [3].
Control Mapping: SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria and HIPAA Safeguards
Control mapping simplifies compliance by linking requirements from different frameworks, enabling healthcare organizations to address multiple obligations with a single implementation. By cross-referencing HIPAA safeguards with SOC 2 criteria, organizations can identify overlaps and pinpoint additional controls needed to meet both standards.
HIPAA's Security Rule divides its requirements into three safeguard categories: Administrative, Physical, and Technical. These categories align closely with SOC 2, making them key areas for integration. In fact, about 65 out of the 134 ISO 27002 controls - which often intersect with SOC 2 - directly map to HIPAA Security Rule safeguards [2]. This overlap allows for unified control designs that fulfill both frameworks simultaneously.
Control Areas Where SOC 2 and HIPAA Align
The strongest alignment between HIPAA and SOC 2 is found in five key areas: access management, encryption and transmission security, incident response, audit and logging, and risk management. Both frameworks emphasize restricting access to electronic protected health information (ePHI) through unique user identifiers and least-privilege principles. They also require encryption to safeguard data during storage and transmission, alongside structured processes for identifying, responding to, and reporting security incidents.
| HIPAA Safeguard Category | SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria Alignment | Example Shared Controls |
|---|---|---|
| Administrative | Security, Confidentiality, Privacy | Risk analysis, workforce training, incident response procedures |
| Physical | Security, Availability | Facility access controls, workstation security, device/media disposal |
| Technical | Security, Confidentiality, Processing Integrity | Access control, audit logs, data encryption, transmission security |
Both frameworks also rely on audit and logging mechanisms to track system activity. Similarly, risk management - such as conducting detailed analyses to uncover vulnerabilities to PHI - is a shared requirement under HIPAA's administrative safeguards and SOC 2's risk assessment criteria. By addressing these overlapping areas, organizations can cut down on redundant controls by 30% to 40% [2]. This not only streamlines audits but also saves time and resources.
How to Map Controls Between Frameworks
Start by cataloging all existing administrative, physical, and technical safeguards, including policies, training materials, and incident records. Next, create a cross-reference matrix that pairs HIPAA safeguards (e.g., §164.308) with SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria. This visual tool helps identify overlaps and highlight any gaps.
"Control mapping allows evidence to be collected once and reused across audits. For example, access logs and incident response records can support HIPAA, SOC 2 and ISO 27001 audits simultaneously." - Konfirmity [2]
To optimize this process, consider automating evidence collection with platforms like Censinet RiskOps™. These tools continuously gather data such as audit logs, encryption status, and training records, supporting compliance for both HIPAA and SOC 2 without duplicating efforts. To address HIPAA-specific needs, document Business Associate Agreements (BAAs) and breach notification procedures as part of your compliance strategy.
SOC 2 Confidentiality vs. HIPAA Privacy and Security Rules
When comparing SOC 2 Confidentiality with HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules, the key distinction lies in their focus areas. Both aim to safeguard sensitive information, but they address different types of data. SOC 2 Confidentiality applies to data classified as confidential by contract, such as business strategies, pricing details, or proprietary information [6]. On the other hand, HIPAA's Privacy and Security Rules are specifically designed to regulate Protected Health Information (PHI), detailing how healthcare entities must manage, use, and share individually identifiable health data [2].
While SOC 2 Confidentiality aligns with HIPAA’s Privacy Rule in protecting restricted information, their scopes diverge. HIPAA exclusively targets PHI and electronic PHI (ePHI), whereas SOC 2 Confidentiality covers any data deemed sensitive by contractual agreement. This broader coverage means healthcare vendors can apply SOC 2 controls not only to PHI but also to other types of sensitive data, thereby enhancing their overall security measures. This distinction plays a significant role in shaping compliance strategies for organizations.
Framework Scope Differences
HIPAA is a federal regulation that mandates specific administrative, physical, and technical safeguards. It also requires breach notifications when PHI is compromised. These requirements are highly prescriptive and apply exclusively to healthcare-related data.
In contrast, SOC 2 operates as a flexible, control-based framework. Organizations can choose which Trust Service Criteria to include based on their operations [2]. The Confidentiality criterion is optional - companies only adopt it if they handle confidential data and want to demonstrate their controls to clients or partners. This adaptability allows SOC 2 to cater to diverse industries, whereas HIPAA remains strictly focused on healthcare data protection.
"The Security Rule is flexible and technology‑neutral. It acknowledges that risk varies across organizations and allows entities to choose measures that reduce risks to reasonable and appropriate levels." - Konfirmity [2]
Mandatory vs. Optional Requirements
The enforcement mechanisms for these frameworks also differ significantly. HIPAA compliance is mandatory for any organization handling PHI, with all safeguards strictly required by federal law. In contrast, SOC 2 certification is voluntary, driven by market demands and client expectations. Organizations can decide whether to include the Confidentiality criterion in their SOC 2 audit, depending on whether they manage confidential data [6].
For many healthcare providers, pursuing both frameworks simultaneously - often through a "SOC 2+" report that evaluates HIPAA safeguards alongside SOC 2 criteria - proves to be an efficient way to meet diverse client requirements while addressing both regulatory and contractual obligations.
How to Achieve Dual Compliance
Transitioning to dual compliance with HIPAA and SOC 2 is a structured process that builds on the shared elements of both frameworks. If your organization already meets HIPAA standards, you're off to a strong start for SOC 2. Typically, this involves a 2–3 month gap analysis, followed by a 3–12 month observation period for SOC 2 Type II reports, and finally, a 4–6 week audit phase.
By leveraging existing HIPAA controls, you can efficiently align them with SOC 2 requirements, saving time and resources.
Moving from HIPAA Compliance to SOC 2 Certification
The first step is conducting a crosswalk analysis - a detailed mapping of HIPAA’s safeguards (administrative, physical, and technical) to SOC 2’s Trust Service Criteria. This step highlights where existing controls meet both sets of requirements. For instance, about 65 of the 134 ISO 27002 controls directly align with the HIPAA Security Rule [2].
"Because security and privacy are critical elements of both HIPAA and SOC 2, organizations can use an existing HIPAA compliance program as the foundation to achieve SOC 2 compliance through process mapping and crosswalk analysis." - Monica McCormack, Compliance Copywriter and Editor, Compliancy Group [3]
The time and effort required depend on your approach. Self-managed programs typically take 550–600 internal hours over 9–12 months. However, opting for human-led managed services can significantly reduce this to 4–5 months and cut internal effort to around 75 hours per year [2]. For SOC 2 Type II, organizations must provide evidence that controls have been consistently effective throughout the observation period. This requires continuous evidence collection rather than relying on point-in-time documentation.
Once the crosswalk is complete, the focus shifts to addressing any gaps in controls specific to SOC 2.
Addressing Missing Controls
While HIPAA provides a strong starting point, SOC 2 introduces additional requirements, such as formal change management, system performance monitoring, and detailed service level agreements (SLAs). SOC 2 also emphasizes threat intelligence capabilities and more robust vendor management practices, including third-party risk assessments - areas where HIPAA primarily focuses on Business Associate Agreements (BAAs).
To identify gaps, organizations should inventory their existing safeguards, such as policies, training records, access logs, and incident documentation. Using compliance software to automate evidence collection can reduce manual work and ensure readiness for audits during the observation period.
Healthcare organizations can benefit from platforms like Censinet RiskOps™, which centralize third-party risk assessments, automate workflows, and maintain continuous evidence collection. This streamlined approach simplifies the path to achieving dual compliance with HIPAA and SOC 2, ensuring both frameworks’ requirements are met efficiently.
Benefits for Healthcare Vendors and Service Providers
Using mapped controls doesn’t just simplify compliance - it also opens up market opportunities. Combining SOC 2 and HIPAA compliance offers clear advantages for healthcare vendors. This dual approach helps combat a 256% increase in hacking-related breaches and a 264% rise in ransomware attacks [1]. By layering these protections, vendors can better safeguard sensitive data and establish themselves as trustworthy partners in a security-driven industry.
One major perk is the elimination of redundant workflows, which cuts down on audit fatigue. With a combined SOC 2+ report, a single independent auditor assesses both SOC 2 Trust Service Criteria and HIPAA requirements at the same time. This streamlines the process for independent attestations [7].
"A SOC 2 + HIPAA Report not only saves time, costs, and resources when undergoing an independent third-party attestation engagement; it also strengthens your security posture and demonstrates your commitment to security, confidentiality, privacy, and compliance." - Courtney Caryl, FoxPointe Solutions [7]
Which Organizations Benefit Most from Dual Compliance
Certain types of organizations stand to gain the most from dual compliance. These include:
- Healthcare SaaS providers
- HealthTech companies (e.g., wearables, apps, telehealth services)
- Managed IT and cloud service providers
- Healthcare Business Process Outsourcing (BPOs)
For these vendors, SOC 2 certification often becomes a must-have to secure contracts with security-conscious healthcare organizations [7].
SOC 2 certification does more than meet basic legal requirements - it shows enterprise clients that a vendor prioritizes robust data protection. With the rapid growth of digital health, data sprawl has become a significant challenge. SOC 2’s emphasis on cloud data management is particularly relevant for vendors who previously focused only on HIPAA’s baseline safeguards [4]. These benefits help vendors seize new opportunities in the market.
Competitive Advantages of SOC 2 Certification
Beyond operational improvements, SOC 2 certification can directly affect market access and revenue. Many enterprise customers in regulated industries won’t even consider working with a vendor unless they provide an annual SOC 2 report. In this way, SOC 2 compliance acts as a gatekeeper for business growth [7]. It also reduces the likelihood of security incidents, avoiding costly HIPAA breach notifications and penalties.
Vendors can speed up sales cycles by showcasing SOC 2 reports and HIPAA compliance through public-facing Trust Centers. For organizations managing multiple vendor relationships, platforms like Censinet RiskOps™ simplify third-party risk assessments and maintain ongoing evidence collection. This allows vendors to prove their security standards to potential clients while keeping compliance processes efficient.
Dual compliance also strengthens legal and regulatory preparedness, positioning organizations for future audits and adapting to evolving privacy laws like GDPR. By layering additional frameworks, such as HITRUST, onto SOC 2 and HIPAA, vendors can address multiple global standards in one streamlined process [4].
Conclusion
The intersection of SOC 2 and HIPAA offers healthcare organizations a clear way to tackle the growing challenges of cybersecurity. With hacking incidents surging by 256% and ransomware attacks climbing 264% over the past five years, aligning these frameworks is no longer optional - it’s a necessity[1]. By mapping shared controls in areas like access management, encryption, and audit trails, organizations can significantly reduce redundancy - cutting control duplication by 30–40% - and shorten compliance timelines from nine months to around four or five months[2]. Beyond streamlining audits, this approach also bolsters overall cybersecurity defenses.
The advantages go beyond time efficiency. Adopting integrated compliance strategies can slash internal workload from 550–600 hours annually to just about 75 hours, thanks to automated evidence collection and smoother workflows[2]. This not only saves resources but also positions healthcare vendors as more attractive partners, as many enterprise clients now demand annual SOC 2 reports before signing contracts.
"Achieving compliance with both SOC 2 and HIPAA is more than a regulatory obligation - it's a proactive strategy for building resilience in an increasingly complex cybersecurity landscape." - Amrita Agnihotri, Scrut Automation[1]
This forward-thinking approach doesn’t just address today’s challenges - it lays a solid foundation for navigating future regulations. Whether it’s adapting to emerging AI rules or evolving privacy laws like GDPR and CPRA, dual compliance equips organizations to stay ahead[1]. Success requires adopting a risk-based mindset early, bringing together teams from IT, legal, HR, and operations, and leveraging technology for ongoing evidence management. For healthcare organizations juggling numerous vendor relationships, platforms like Censinet RiskOps™ can simplify third-party risk assessments while maintaining compliance documentation for both frameworks.
In short, dual compliance turns regulatory demands into a competitive edge. It strengthens security, fosters trust, and unlocks new opportunities in a field where trust and reliability are everything.
FAQs
Does SOC 2 compliance mean I’m HIPAA compliant?
No, achieving SOC 2 compliance doesn't mean you're automatically HIPAA compliant. While there are some overlapping controls between the two, they serve different purposes. SOC 2 is a voluntary framework that focuses on data security, confidentiality, and privacy. On the other hand, HIPAA is a mandatory regulation aimed specifically at protecting patient health information (PHI). If you're in healthcare, it's crucial to evaluate both frameworks to ensure you're meeting all HIPAA requirements.
What controls can I reuse for both SOC 2 and HIPAA?
Both SOC 2 and HIPAA place a strong emphasis on safeguarding sensitive health information, particularly Protected Health Information (PHI). To meet the requirements of both frameworks, organizations often focus on shared controls such as:
- Access management: Using tools like Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) and Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to ensure only authorized individuals can access sensitive data.
- Encryption: Implementing robust encryption standards, such as AES-256 and TLS, to secure data both in transit and at rest.
- Audit logging: Keeping detailed logs of system activity to monitor for unauthorized access or suspicious behavior.
- Incident response: Establishing a clear plan for identifying, responding to, and mitigating security incidents.
Beyond these technical measures, organizations are also expected to maintain strong security policies, perform regular risk assessments, and thoroughly document their data handling practices.
Automated solutions, like Censinet RiskOps™, can simplify these processes. By streamlining workflows and reducing redundancy, these platforms help organizations stay compliant with both SOC 2 and HIPAA requirements more efficiently.
What’s the fastest path to a SOC 2+HIPAA report?
The fastest path to obtaining a SOC 2 + HIPAA report is to perform a combined audit that tackles both frameworks at the same time. Tools like Censinet RiskOps™ can make this process smoother by simplifying tasks like risk assessments, control mapping, and documentation for meeting both SOC 2 and HIPAA requirements.
