Compliance software is intended to help audits go more smoothly. Small companies are often in a precarious position. Before they can begin implementing their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and learn an extensive platform for compliance. This raises an interesting question. What is the point at which a tool that can decrease compliance work transform into a new project?
CertAssist is the result of this frustration. The team behind it worked on compliance implementations, audits and ISO 27001 frameworks. They found platforms with a wide range of functions and integrations, yet organizations were still using spreadsheets for the primary components of preparation for audits. SOC 2 software that is less complicated may be better suited for smaller companies.
Start with the Work That Needs to Be Done
If you remove the software terminology, it becomes much easier to understand. The company should work through Trust Services Criteria and establish adequate control measures. They must also write down policies, collect evidence, track their progress, and offer this documentation to independent auditors. Platforms are able to handle these tasks without having to be connected to all cloud services or identity systems companies utilize.
Integrations that are automated can be extremely valuable. Automating the collection of evidence by large corporations in a world which is always changing can make it easier to save time. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same architecture mandatory to be used for SOC 2 for startups. A startup that has a limited technology environment might choose to make evidence by hand and avoid maintaining numerous integrations.
The cost of the audit and software are two separate expenses
When companies treat all compliance costs as one number, budgeting becomes confusing. SOC 2 costs include more than just software. Internal staff have to spend time in preparing policies, addressing any gaps in control, arranging proof and working with auditors. Independent audits have their own fee as well.
Companies researching SOC 2 certification cost should also understand a terminology distinction: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the same sense as ISO 27001. Nevertheless, “certification cost” is frequently used by companies searching for pricing data. Whatever terms are used in the budget, software doesn’t take the place of an independent auditor.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to Be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and familiar, but they can become a hassle when they are spread over multiple files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform for substitute. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 control and lets you edit policies and templates for evidence. It also gives progress management and auditors with access that is read-only. Multi-factor authentication is needed to protect the platform. Its stated launch price is $225 monthly, with a price that is regular at $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.
The same integration that reduces exposure can be accomplished by eliminating the need for it
CertAssist is not apposed to connecting to an organization’s operating system. The evidence is presented without granting the compliance platform access to cloud and identity environments.
The method is a compromise. The company has to provide evidence that could have been obtained from an automated system. The additional manual work is reasonable for a tiny team in exchange of a more simple setup, lower cost and fewer connections with third parties.
If Complexity Solves a Problem, Purchase It
If a company is growing that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could turn into inefficient. The expense of monitoring and integration is justified by the higher effectiveness.
It is not required to purchase the most complex compliance stack at this point. The objective is to manage compliance, keep credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. Good software should remove friction from that process. If the installation of the compliance tool feels like it’s taking longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, then the tool might be overkill.