For organizations in the Healthcare BPO, FinTech, and Shared Services sectors, proving data security is no longer optional—it is a competitive necessity. As global partners demand more rigorous proof of compliance, the HITRUST Common Security Framework (CSF) has emerged as the premier standard for information risk management.

At Global Quality Services (GQS) Philippines, we specialize in guiding local enterprises through the complexities of HITRUST CSF certification services. We bridge the gap between Philippine operational excellence and international security benchmarks, ensuring your business is ready to compete on the global stage.

The Strategic Importance of HITRUST in the Philippines

The Philippines is a global hub for healthcare information management and financial services. However, with this status comes the heavy responsibility of adhering to the Data Privacy Act of 2012 (RA 10173).

While the National Privacy Commission (NPC) provides the legal framework, HITRUST CSF provides the technical “how-to.” By achieving HITRUST certification, Philippine companies can demonstrate compliance not only with local laws but also with global standards through a single assessment.

Navigating a HITRUST assessment requires a partner who understands both the global framework and the local business landscape. GQS Philippines brings a unique value proposition:

  1. Local Context, Global Standards: We understand the specific infrastructure and compliance challenges faced by Philippine-based BPOs and GCCs (Global Capability Centers).

  2. End-to-End Support: From initial gap analysis to final submission in the MyCSF portal, we are with you at every step.

  3. Cost-Effective Scalability: We offer tiered assessment options (e1, i1, and r2) that allow Filipino SMEs and large enterprises alike to find a path to certification that fits their budget.

Our HITRUST Assessment Services

The HITRUST CSF v11.6 framework is designed to be threat-adaptive. GQS helps you choose the right “journey” based on your risk profile and client requirements.

1. HITRUST Essentials, 1-Year (e1) Assessment

Perfect for Philippine startups or vendors who need to demonstrate “good cyber hygiene.” It focuses on foundational technical controls.

  • Scope: ~44 controls.

  • Best for: Proving baseline security to local clients.

2. HITRUST Implemented, 1-Year (i1) Assessment

This is the “leading edge” assessment. It is designed to address current cyber threats like ransomware, which is a growing concern for Philippine enterprises.

  • Scope: Focused on implementation and threat intelligence.

  • Best for: Mid-sized BPOs seeking a competitive edge in the US and EU markets.

3. HITRUST Risk-Based, 2-Year (r2) Assessment

The “Gold Standard.” This is a comprehensive, multi-layered assessment tailored specifically to your organization’s unique risk factors.

  • Scope: Hundreds of controls tailored to your architecture.

  • Best for: Large healthcare aggregators and financial institutions handling sensitive global data.

Mapping HITRUST to the Philippine Data Privacy Act (DPA)

One of the primary benefits of working with GQS Philippines is our ability to map HITRUST controls directly to the NPC’s requirements.

  • Organizational Security: HITRUST’s “Information Protection Program” domain satisfies the DPA’s requirement for a designated Data Protection Officer (DPO) and formal privacy policies.

  • Physical Security: Our assessments ensure your Manila or Cebu-based facilities meet international standards for data center and office access control.

  • Technical Security: HITRUST’s rigorous encryption and access control requirements ensure that “Unauthorized Processing” under Philippine law is virtually eliminated.

The 5-Phase Roadmap to Certification

We follow a proven methodology designed to minimize disruption to your Philippine operations.

Phase 1: Readiness & Scoping

We begin by defining the “Assessment Object.” Whether it is a specific cloud platform in a Makati data center or a remote workforce across Luzon, we ensure the scope is accurate to prevent costly mid-audit changes.

Phase 2: Gap Analysis & Remediation

GQS performs a “mock audit.” We identify where your current policies or technical settings fall short of HITRUST requirements. We then provide a clear, actionable remediation plan.

Phase 3: The PRISMA Maturity Model

HITRUST doesn’t just ask if you have a firewall; it asks if you have a Policy, a Procedure, and proof it is Implemented. GQS helps Philippine teams develop the documentation muscle needed to pass this rigorous “PRISMA” (Policy, Procedure, Implemented, Measured, Managed) scoring.

Phase 4: Validated Assessment

Our certified assessors conduct the formal fieldwork. We interview your team, review system configurations, and gather evidence. We handle the heavy lifting of uploading data to the HITRUST Alliance.

Phase 5: Certification & Beyond

Once the HITRUST Alliance issues your report, we help you communicate this achievement to your stakeholders. For r2 certifications, we also manage the Interim Assessment at the 12-month mark.

Core Domains of the HITRUST Framework

Our GQS assessors deep-dive into the 19 domains that form the CSF. For Philippine businesses, we pay special attention to:

  • Endpoint Protection: Vital for the large “Work From Home” (WFH) workforce in the local BPO sector.

  • Third-Party Assurance: Ensuring your local vendors don’t become your weakest security link.

  • Transmission Protection: Securing data as it moves between Philippine servers and global clients.

  • Incident Management: Developing robust response plans for the unique threat landscape of Southeast Asia.

Secure Your Future with GQS Philippines

The Philippine BPO and tech sectors are moving toward a “Security-First” model. Don’t let compliance be the barrier that stops your growth. Partner with Global Quality Services to turn your security posture into your strongest selling point.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is HITRUST certification required for BPOs in the Philippines?

While not legally mandated by the Philippine government, it is a commercial necessity. Most US-based healthcare and financial clients require HITRUST certification from their offshore partners to ensure data security, making it essential for BPOs to win and maintain international contracts.

2. How does HITRUST help with the Philippine Data Privacy Act (RA 10173)?

HITRUST provides the technical framework to satisfy National Privacy Commission (NPC) requirements. It translates the DPA’s legal mandates into specific, actionable controls. By achieving certification, Philippine firms demonstrate the “due diligence” and “accountability” required to avoid heavy regulatory penalties.

3. What is the difference between HITRUST and ISO 27001?

ISO 27001 is a flexible management framework, while HITRUST is highly prescriptive and threat-adaptive. For Philippine companies, HITRUST is often preferred by international clients because it explicitly includes HIPAA, NIST, and PCI-DSS requirements within a single, certifiable assessment report.

4. Can we achieve HITRUST certification while working from home?

Yes. HITRUST CSF includes specific controls for endpoint security and remote access. GQS Philippines helps you implement robust VPN, multi-factor authentication, and mobile device management (MDM) protocols to ensure your remote workforce meets the same rigorous standards as an office-based team.

5. How much does HITRUST certification cost in the Philippines?

Costs vary based on assessment type (e1, i1, or r2) and organization size. It includes HITRUST Alliance platform fees and GQS assessment fees. While a significant investment, it reduces long-term costs by consolidating multiple audits into one globally recognized report.