Compliance · Framework comparison
Cybersecurity Frameworks for Regulated Industries: HIPAA, PCI-DSS, CMMC and HITRUST
A comparative breakdown of core security compliance frameworks, including scope, industry applicability and technical controls.
ALIS Technology Healthcare Practice Group · Framework comparison · 3 min read · Updated October 13, 2026
Choosing a framework depends on your industry, penalties for non-compliance and administrative requirements. The table summarizes the key differences:
| Framework | Primary scope | Technical requirement | Non-compliance impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| HIPAA | Healthcare | Encryption and access-control logging | Civil and criminal penalties |
| PCI-DSS | FinTech and retail | Firewalls and vulnerability scans | Processing suspension and fines |
| CMMC 2.0 | Defense supply chain | MFA and SIEM security logging | Loss of bidding eligibility |
| HITRUST | Multi-industry risk | Consolidated control-matrix verification | Partnership disruption |
Where to start
Most healthcare organizations start from HIPAA and use HITRUST to prove it. See the Zero-Trust & HITRUST guide →
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