Software developed to aid in audits is referred to as compliance software. But small-sized companies may find themselves in a strange situation: before they are able to set up their SOC 2 controls, they first have to implement or configure an extensive compliance system. It raises a good question. What is the point at which the tool designed to reduce compliance become a separate project on its own?
CertAssist was a result of frustration. Its developers had worked on compliance-related implementations and audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001 and other frameworks. The developers of this software were repeatedly confronted with platforms that had many features and integrations, while their employers still used spreadsheets to prepare important audit components. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start by identifying the tasks that Have to be completed
Remove the terms used in software and the essential requirement is simpler to comprehend. It is crucial that businesses understand the Trust Services Criteria. This includes establishing the right controls, gathering evidence, keeping track of progress and documenting the policies. Platforms can be used to organize these tasks without having to link them with each cloud service and identity system that the company uses.
Automated integrations definitely have value. A large company that gathers evidence from a continuously changing environment can save time via automation. However, this doesn’t mean the same system is needed to be used for SOC 2 in startups. Startups that have a small technology environment might prefer to take evidence in a manual manner instead of managing a number of integrations.
Both the Software and Audit are distinct expenses
Budgeting can be difficult if companies take each compliance expense as distinct numbers. SOC 2 costs include more than software. Internal staff are busy preparing policies, addressing the issues with control, arranging evidence, and collaborating together with the auditor. The independent audit also comes with its own fees.
Companies looking into SOC 2 certification cost should also be aware of the distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report, not an official certification in the same terms as ISO 27001. However, “certification cost” is frequently used by companies searching for pricing information. Software is not a substitute for an independent auditor, regardless of the terminology employed within the budget.
Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets might be familiar and inexpensive, but they can be uncomfortable when multiple files are utilized to convey policies, control, evidence, ownership and auditing communication.
Alternatives to enterprise platforms don’t necessarily need to be costly. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board, which includes editable policy and evidence templates as well as progress management and read-only auditor access. Multi-factor authentication is essential to protect the platform. The stated price for the launch is $225 monthly, and the regular price is $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.
The absence of integration also means less exposure
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to a company’s operational systems. The compliance platform isn’t granted access to the cloud or to the identity environment.
This method has its drawbacks. The company must provide evidence that could have been collected by the automated system. If you have a small staff However, the added manual work could be justified in exchange for a simpler installation, less software cost and less third-party connections.
Purchase Complexity when it solves a Problem
An expanding company could eventually arrive at a point when the manual method of gathering evidence becomes inefficient. Continuous monitoring and massive integrations will pay off at the point you are.
The purpose of the compliance stack is not to be the most technological one available. It’s about getting the compliance task organized, maintain credible evidence, and enable the independent audit to be manageable. The best software will remove any friction from this process. Implementing the compliance platform might feel more like a project than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that the company doesn’t require the same tools.