The HITRUST CSF applies to covered information in all forms (words, numbers, pictures, sounds).

The HITRUST CSF is designed to protect all forms of sensitive information, not just structured digital data. This includes words (text documents, records), numbers (financial data, identifiers), pictures (images, radiology scans, photographs), and sounds (voice recordings, call center data). The comprehensive scope ensures that entities consider every medium in which sensitive information may exist, whether electronic, physical, or spoken. This aligns with regulatory definitions, such as HIPAA, which recognizes both electronic and non-electronic forms of protected health information. By covering all forms, HITRUST ensures organizations apply consistent safeguards across their environments and do not overlook exposures outside IT systems, such as printed reports or recorded conversations.