Secure your AI operations with HITRUST AI Security Certification

As artificial intelligence (AI) revolutionizes industries at an unprecedented pace, it brings both opportunities and significant risks. For senior leaders and compliance officers in sectors such as healthcare, finance, manufacturing, and retail, implementing secure and ethical AI is no longer optional—it has become a critical strategy for gaining a competitive edge and meeting growing regulatory demands.

With AI systems increasingly responsible for managing sensitive customer data, organizations face mounting pressure to provide transparency and assurance around their AI frameworks. Customers demand trust, and regulators are intensifying scrutiny. Without a proactive approach, businesses risk falling behind competitors who adapt more quickly to the ever-evolving demands of AI risk management.

What is the Health Insurance Trust Alliance (HITRUST) AI Security Assessment with Certification?

The HITRUST AI Security Assessment with Certification, launched in November 2024, represents a groundbreaking solution to the fragmented state of AI governance. Unlike traditional frameworks, this certification integrates widely respected standards such as the HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF), ISO/IEC 23894/2023, and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) AI Risk Management Framework (RMF).

This cohesive approach addresses a critical pain point: the lack of a universally accepted control framework for AI systems. By standardizing best practices for governance, privacy, transparency, and continuous improvement, HITRUST provides a comprehensive solution for organizations navigating the complexities of secure AI deployment.

Key Features of the HITRUST AI Security Certification

1. Governance and Risk Management

Organizations can establish clear governance frameworks, define roles, and proactively address risks with the support of HITRUST. This promotes  AI implementations that align with both ethical standards and operational goals.

2. Data Governance and Privacy

Robust data governance is a core focus, emphasizing compliance with privacy regulations, maintaining data integrity, and secure storage. These measures significantly reduce vulnerabilities that could compromise customer trust.

3. Algorithm Transparency and Bias Mitigation

Promoting fairness and predictability in AI systems, the certification requires explainable AI processes, proactive strategies to mitigate bias, and accountability measures for decision-making.

4. Monitoring and Continuous Improvement

To address evolving threats, the framework encourages ongoing monitoring and adaptive improvements, helping organizations stay competitive and maintain secure, ethical AI practices.

Why Pursue a HITRUST AI Security Certification?

Organizations pursuing HITRUST AI Security Certification gain a dependable framework for long-term resilience, establishing a clear strategic advantage.

1. Earning Customer Trust

Secure and ethical AI systems are rapidly becoming a baseline expectation. Certification signals to clients and stakeholders that your organization takes its responsibility seriously.

2. Mitigating Financial and Reputational Risks

From data breaches to algorithmic errors, the costs of AI-related failures can be catastrophic. HITRUST reduces these risks through stringent controls and continuous improvement.

3. Aligning with Global Standards

With frameworks like ISO/IEC 23894/2023 and NIST AI RMF embedded in its foundation, HITRUST ensures alignment with global best practices, making it an ideal choice for organizations operating in multiple jurisdictions.

4. Staying Competitive in a Crowded Marketplace

As AI adoption continues to accelerate, businesses that prioritize secure and ethical practices will gain a competitive edge, setting themselves apart and leaving less-prepared competitors behind.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Certification

Achieving HITRUST AI Security Certification is a structured process that ensures your organization meets stringent security and compliance standards. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the certification journey:

Step 1: Conduct a Gap Analysis

Begin by evaluating your current practices to identify gaps in compliance with HITRUST standards. This process will yield a roadmap of actionable steps to bring your organization in line with certification standards. This analysis involves:

• Evaluating  existing data governance, risk management, and AI policies.
• Comparing your practices against HITRUST requirements to pinpoint deficiencies.
• Prioritizing areas for improvement based on the potential impact on security and compliance.

Step 2: Implement AI-Specific Controls

Build a strong foundation for secure and ethical AI operations by addressing identified gaps and implementing targeted policies and controls designed specifically for AI systems. Key actions include:

• Establishing robust data management policies for privacy, retention, and security.
• Promoting algorithm transparency and accountability to build trust in AI decision-making.
• Developing ethical guidelines for AI usage to align with regulatory and societal expectations.

Step 3: Document Evidence

Comprehensive documentation is essential for demonstrating compliance, providing a clear and easily accessible repository of materials to support regulatory requirements. This involves:

• Recording policies, processes, and controls related to AI governance.
• Maintaining evidence of data handling practices, risk assessments, and monitoring activities.
• Organizing documentation to simplify the certification assessment process.

Step 4: Engage a HITRUST Assessor

Work with an approved assessor to validate your efforts, refine your approach, and help your organization prepare for the certification assessment  with confidence. The assessor will:

• Assess the completeness and accuracy of your compliance documentation.
• Perform a comprehensive assessment to identify potential gaps or vulnerabilities.
• Provide actionable feedback to address any remaining weaknesses.

Step 5: Undergo a Certification Assessment

The formal assessment is the final step to verify adherence to HITRUST standards and gain the official AI Security Certification, validating your commitment to secure and ethical AI practices. During this stage:

• Assessors evaluate your implementation of HITRUST’s AI-specific requirements.
• Your organization demonstrates its ability to manage AI risks and comply with regulatory guidelines.
• Any deficiencies identified during the assessment must be addressed promptly to achieve certification.

Step 6: Commit to Continuous Improvement

Certification is an ongoing commitment to sustained compliance and improved security, giving your organization a lasting competitive edge in AI implementation. Post-certification efforts include:

• Regular monitoring of AI systems to identify new vulnerabilities or risks.
• Periodic updates to policies and practices to stay aligned with evolving standards and regulations.
• Investing in staff training and resources to maintain a culture of compliance and innovation.

Why Choose Elliott Davis?

At Elliott Davis, we are a Certified HITRUST Assessor with the qualifications and expertise to guide organizations through the HITRUST AI Security Assessment and Certification process. Fully equipped to conduct HITRUST assessments, we can help your  organization maintain compliance and security. Here’s how we can help:

• Gap Analysis and Readiness Assessment: Our team conducts thorough gap analyses to identify areas for improvement, aligning with HITRUST CSF AI requirements, ISO/IEC 23894/2023, and NIST AI RMF.
• Implementation Support: We can help you implement necessary controls, update policies, and enhance governance practices tailored to your AI systems.
• Documentation and Evidence Preparation: Elliott Davis can help you document evidence that is comprehensive, accurate, and assessment-ready to streamline the certification process.
• Certified HITRUST Assessments: As a Certified HITRUST Assessor, we can perform the full HITRUST AI Security Certification assessment, evaluating your organization’s compliance and providing actionable feedback for improvements.
• Continuous Monitoring and Improvement: Our team can provide ongoing support to help you maintain compliance post-certification, adapting your AI systems to meet evolving risks and regulatory standards.

Conclusion

The clock is ticking for organizations relying on AI. As regulatory demands tighten and customer expectations soar, businesses must prioritize secure and ethical AI implementations now or risk falling behind.

By pursuing the HITRUST AI Security Assessment and Certification, you can position your organization as a leader in secure, ethical, and compliant AI systems—building trust, mitigating risk, and staying ahead of the curve. If you’re ready to achieve HITRUST AI Risk Management Certification or want to learn more about improving your AI governance, compliance, and risk management practices, we’re here to help.

Elliott Davis can guide you through the complexities of AI compliance and help you position your organization as a leader in secure, ethical, and innovative AI solutions.

Contact us today to secure your organization’s AI future.

The information provided in this communication is of a general nature and should not be considered professional advice. You should not act upon the information provided without obtaining specific professional advice. The information above is subject to change.