Web Host FireHost Completes HITRUST CSF Certification

FireHost announced on Wednesday that it has achived Common Security Framework Certified status from the Health Information Trust Alliance

Web host FireHost announced on Wednesday that it has achieved Common Security Framework Certified status from the Health Information Trust Alliance.

FireHost says it secured this status based on its commitment to securing clients’ electronic personal health information from cyberattacks. FireHost already offers HIPAA-ready cloud hosting options for healthcare customers.

For FireHost, security is the cornerstone of its hosting services. Since the launch of its secure cloud, FireHost says it has been growing at a rate of almost 200 percent, year over year. In September, FireHost raised $10 million in funding in a series C round.

“While many organizations say they meet compliance standards, it’s very hard to prove. By obtaining this certification, FireHost has been audited by an independent, third party HITRUST CSF Assessor and has confirmed that it meets the requirements of the CSF,” Kurt Hagerman, director of global compliance at FireHost said in a statement. “The HITRUST CSF certification is another way FireHost shows its commitment to the healthcare industry.”

Accoridng to the press release, HITRUST was established out of the belief that information security should not be an obstacle to the broad adoption of health information systems and exchanges.

The HITRUST CSF Assurance Program offers a “common and efficient approach to managing security assessments associated with multiple and varied assurance requirements,” FireHost says.

“HITRUST has been working with the industry to ensure the appropriate information protection requirements are met when sensitive health information is accessed or stored in a cloud environment,” Daniel Nutkis, chief executive officer of HITRUST said in a statement. “We are pleased that FireHost has taken the steps necessary to achieve HITRUST CSF Certified status, and we expect their customers to have confidence in this designation.”

Recently, Verizon launched a cloud and data center infrastructure portfolio designed to help healthcare organizations meet HIPAA requirements. Verizon also provides a HIPAA Business Associate Agreement, through which Verizon works closely with clients to safeguard their patients’ ePHI.

Talk back: Are you certified with HITRUST? Why or why not? Let us know in a comment.

About Nicole Henderson

Nicole Henderson writes full-time for the Web Host Industry Review where she covers daily news and features online, as well as in print. She has a bachelor of journalism from Ryerson University in Toronto, and has been writing for the WHIR since September 2010. You can find her on Twitter @NicoleHenderson.