AI Risk Management and AI Security Certification: What’s the Difference?

As AI continues to gain momentum, organisations face new risks, challenges, and security concerns. In response, HITRUST launched two comprehensive AI assurance solutions in 2024.

1. HITRUST AI Risk Management Assessment

2. HITRUST AI Security Assessment and Certification

Let’s explore.

Common features

Before diving into each solution’s unique attributes, it’s important to note that both AI Risk Management and AI Security Assessments share several foundational HITRUST capabilities.

Prescriptive, harmonised controls
Each AI assessment leverages HITRUST’s rigorous, prescriptive controls built on a harmonised framework that reflects leading standards such as ISO/IEC 23894:2023, NIST RMF, and more.

Cyber threat-adaptive framework
HITRUST regularly updates control sets to address evolving AI threats. This continuous refinement ensures that both AI assessments stay current with emerging risks.

Powered by MyCSF
Both solutions use HITRUST’s SaaS platform, MyCSF, enabling organisations to efficiently manage assessments and securely share results and reports with stakeholders.

Credibility and reliability
HITRUST has an established track record in cybersecurity assurance, providing globally recognised methodologies that organisations of all sizes can trust.

HITRUST AI Risk Management Assessment

Purpose

The HITRUST AI Risk Management Assessment is designed for organisations seeking a targeted evaluation of their AI risk management practices.

Key features

Non-certified solution: Evaluates AI risk management without the formalities of a certification process

51 AI-specific controls: Focuses on AI risks based on 51 controls, helping you pinpoint vulnerabilities and prioritise improvements

Self-evaluation: Allows flexibility to perform a standalone self-assessment or engage a HITRUST External Assessor for independent testing

Cost-effective entry point: Offers a cost-effective way to begin identifying and addressing AI-related risks

AI RM Insights Report: Delivers clear, detailed scoring mapped to ISO/IEC 23894:2023 and NIST RMF v1.0, including color-coded scorecards, gap analysis, and next-step recommendations

Ideal for

AI users and producers looking for a flexible approach to assess AI risks

Organisations wanting a low-barrier, targeted way to identify AI gaps

Teams looking to create or refine an AI risk management program but not yet ready to pursue formal certification

HITRUST AI Security Assessment and Certification

Purpose

The HITRUST AI Security Assessment and Certification is a higher-level assurance solution that validates the security of AI systems in a formal manner.

Key features

Certified validation: Results in a HITRUST AI certification that demonstrates the highest level of security assurance to stakeholders

44 security controls: Focuses on the security and privacy of AI platforms with 44 controls, which can be tailored based on specific use case scenarios

Independent, centralised quality review: Includes third-party validation and centralised quality review, demonstrating rigorous testing and reliable results

Inheritance: Allows to inherit AI controls from cloud service providers and other vendors that already have HITRUST-certified systems

Seamless add-on to HITRUST cybersecurity assessments: Can be added to any of HITRUST’s core assessments (e1, i1, r2), ensuring comprehensive coverage of both cybersecurity and AI security in a unified approach

Ideal for

AI developers and deployers seeking a formal certification that can be shared with customers, regulators, and partners

Organisations looking to align AI security controls with recognised frameworks (e.g., NIST, ISO/IEC, OWASP) and consolidate compliance efforts

Teams that proactively want to stay ahead of new AI security threats

Which one is right for you?

If you’re exploring AI risks, processes, and gaps, choose the HITRUST AI Risk Management Assessment to gain deep insights without the pressure of achieving certification. This approach offers an entry point to identify AI risks and build a roadmap for improvement cost-effectively.

If you need formal recognition, choose the HITRUST AI Security Assessment and Certification to showcase a validated, independently reviewed AI security posture. This ensures your stakeholders have the assurance they need regarding your organisation’s AI security readiness.

Bottom line

HITRUST’s AI assurance addresses the evolving landscape of AI risk, compliance, and security. You will benefit from HITRUST’s proven framework, advanced tools, and industry-leading approach whether you opt for the AI Risk Management Assessment or the AI Security Assessment.

HITRUST’s flexible solutions help ensure AI technologies are deployed responsibly, securely, and with optimal risk management no matter your organisation’s sise or AI maturity. Choose the solution that best aligns with your goals — risk-focused or security-focused — to confidently navigate the complexities of AI adoption while meeting stakeholder expectations for transparency and assurance.

Visit the HITRUST AI Hub for more information on how HITRUST can help you secure, manage, and certify your organisation’s AI systems.

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