HIPAA vs SOC 2
The differences, where they overlap, and which you actually need.
The short answer
HIPAA is a US healthcare law that mandates safeguards for protected health information (PHI); SOC 2 is a voluntary attestation proving your security controls operate. If you handle PHI you must comply with HIPAA (there’s no "HIPAA certificate"); SOC 2 is what buyers ask for to trust your security generally. Health-tech companies usually need both. CATAAM automates HIPAA safeguards and SOC 2 controls from one shared program.
HIPAA vs SOC 2, side by side
| HIPAA | SOC 2 | |
|---|---|---|
| What it is | A US federal law (mandatory if you handle PHI) | A voluntary attestation report issued by a CPA firm |
| Applies to | Covered entities and business associates handling PHI | Any service organization that stores or processes data |
| Output | No certificate — compliance is a legal obligation, often shown via a risk assessment + BAA | A SOC 2 report (Type I/II) shared under NDA |
| Framework | HIPAA Security, Privacy and Breach Notification Rules | 5 Trust Services Criteria (Security required) |
| Enforcement | HHS Office for Civil Rights; fines and corrective action | Market-driven — buyers require the report |
| Proof to buyers | BAA + evidence of safeguards / third-party HIPAA assessment | A recognized SOC 2 report |
| Best for | Anyone touching US health data | Any SaaS asked to prove security posture |
Choose HIPAA when…
- ✓You create, receive, store or transmit PHI
- ✓You’re a covered entity or a business associate
- ✓A healthcare customer requires a BAA
Choose SOC 2 when…
- ✓Buyers ask for a general security attestation
- ✓You want a recognized, auditable security proof
- ✓You sell to security-conscious customers of any kind
Do you need both?
HIPAA’s Security Rule safeguards (access control, audit logging, encryption, contingency planning) overlap strongly with SOC 2’s Security criteria. CATAAM maps one control set to both, so a health-tech company demonstrates HIPAA safeguards and earns a SOC 2 report without running two separate programs — and can attack-test those safeguards with built-in BAS.
HIPAA vs SOC 2 FAQ
- What is the difference between HIPAA and SOC 2?
- HIPAA is a mandatory US law protecting health information; SOC 2 is a voluntary attestation of your security controls. HIPAA has no certificate — it’s a legal obligation — while SOC 2 produces a report buyers can review.
- Do I need both HIPAA and SOC 2?
- If you handle PHI, HIPAA is mandatory. SOC 2 is what most buyers ask for to trust your security. Health-tech companies commonly need both, and their controls overlap heavily.
- Is there a HIPAA certification?
- No official one. Compliance is demonstrated through safeguards, risk assessments, Business Associate Agreements, and sometimes a third-party HIPAA attestation — not a government certificate.
- Does SOC 2 cover HIPAA?
- Not fully, but the Security controls overlap substantially. A SOC 2 program covers much of HIPAA’s Security Rule; you still need HIPAA-specific pieces like BAAs and the Privacy/Breach Notification rules.
One platform for HIPAA and SOC 2
Map evidence once, satisfy both — plus built-in breach & attack simulation to prove your controls actually work. From $149/mo.