ISO 27001 vs. NIST: How to Leverage the Best of Both

Published: December 20, 2024•Last Updated: September 26, 2024•Read Time: 3 min

Summarize:

Monitoring compliance with ISO 27001 and NIST standards can be complex and time-intensive. Although they both advance information security and patient privacy, neither framework precisely matches the other in specific recommendations. After examining the key differences between ISO 27001 and NIST, we explore the use of software in integrating both standards and how to facilitate the mapping process. Let’s first review each of these frameworks.

Summary

ISO 27001 and NIST CSF share objectives and overlapping functions, making it practical to map controls to consolidate healthcare information security. Use compliance software to facilitate mapping and manage controls, apply a repeatable approach: audit internal security gaps, align compliance with IT leadership, prioritize controls for healthcare needs, set milestones, maintain staff cybersecurity training, and perform regular risk assessments; software can also aid efforts toward ISO 27001 certification.

ISO 27001

The International Organization for Security (ISO) 27001 consists of three core principles that guide information security measures. These principles are:

Availability: Authorized users need access to information they require to do their jobs. Personnel should use protected health information (PHI) and other data only for their intended purpose.
Confidentiality: When patient identity cannot be removed, you must ensure that only authorized individuals can access PHI and other sensitive information. You also employ security measures like data encryption and password protection, making sharing PHI safer.
Information integrity: The use, sharing, and storage of information requires maintaining its accuracy. Damaging, altering, or erasing any of it without authorization is forbidden.

Organizations seeking ISO 27001 certification must develop an information security management system (ISMS) that involves identifying ISO 27001 requirements, conducting risk assessments, undergoing external audits, implementing controls, and taking other steps.

NIST

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) CSF framework, unlike ISO 27001, is not a certification or method of proving compliance. Instead, NIST is a set of guidelines that help organizations develop and improve their security programs. Like ISO 27001, the goal is to identify and minimize cybersecurity risks.

The NIST framework for information security is comprehensive and generally adaptable to various healthcare entities. NIST involves six core functions:

Identify the organization’s risk management priorities, cybersecurity procedures, and assets needing protection.
Protect information and other assets critical to healthcare with safeguards.
Detect security threats and actual incidents through information gathering.
Respond to incidents by carrying out established plans.
Recover lost services and data and restore operational continuity.
Govern by making improvements and carrying out decisions on future cybersecurity activities.

In comparing ISO 27001 vs. NIST, you’ll see that both frameworks are intended to identify and eliminate cybersecurity risks to PHI. The common purpose and functions allow for efficient ISO 27001 mapping to NIST CSF.

In light of the overlaps, there is a difference between ISO 27001 and NIST. ISO 27001 is a compliance standard that requires certification and the completion of specific measures. In contrast, NIST is a non-mandatory guide with no certification requirements.

Using Compliance Software for ISO 27001 and NIST

With software from Compliancy Group, ISO 27001 mapping to NIST CSF is easy to implement and manage. You’ll maintain controls from both frameworks and be able to apply them to all facets of healthcare information security.

In addition to using software to facilitate mapping, your organization can take the following steps to ensure compliance with both standards:

Compliance personnel should work closely with information technology (IT) and other leaders to ensure smooth mapping of both sets of controls
Conduct an internal audit of security gaps in your system before mapping
Prioritize the controls that best help you meet your healthcare and business needs
Set milestones and goals to ensure the mapping schedule is on track
Maintain regular staff training on healthcare compliance and cybersecurity
Conduct regular risk assessments to identify existing and novel threats

At Compliancy Group, we can help you understand the distinction between ISO 27001 vs. NIST. Our software also allows organizations to conduct risk assessments, deploy security policies and procedures, and train staff. If an incident does occur, our software supports incident reporting and tracking. Contact us today to learn how our compliance software can help your organization satisfy both standards and even work toward ISO 27001 certification.

See How Our Software Can Help With

HIPAA

Risk Assessments

OSHA

Policies & Procedures

Training

Incident Response

About the Author

Monica McCormack

Director of Content Strategy

Monica McCormack has 5 years of experience as a compliance copywriter and editor. She is well-versed in a diverse range of compliance topics including HIPAA, OSHA, and state privacy laws. She specializes in simplifying regulatory compliance, making it easy to understand for a general audience.

Monica has a background in marketing and is responsible for creating all forms of written content, including articles, resources, press releases, and case studies. She also works with Compliancy Group's association partners to deliver educational content for members.