Software that helps audits is called compliance software. Smaller companies often find themselves stuck in an awkward situation. Before they can implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, set up and understand the complexities of a compliance platform. This raises an interesting question. When does the instrument designed to decrease compliance work become another initiative of its own?
CertAssist was conceived out of this discontent. Its founders worked on compliance implementations, audits, and ISO 27001 frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with integrations and features while organizations were still using spreadsheets to manage crucial aspects of audit preparation. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start With the Job That Must Be Completed
Take away the software terms and the essential requirement is more understandable. The company must work through Trust Services Criteria and establish appropriate controls. They must also create the policy, collect evidence, keep track of their performance, and offer this documentation for independent auditors. Platforms are able to manage these processes without having to connect with all cloud services or identity systems that companies utilize.
Automated integrations can bring a lot of value. Automating the collection of evidence for large organizations in an environment that is constantly changing could help save time. However, this doesn’t mean the same architecture is required for SOC 2 in startups. If a startup operates in limited technology resources it might be better to make the necessary evidence available manually and avoid integrating too many systems.
The Audit and Software are different expenses
It is difficult to budget when companies make each compliance expense an individual number. SOC 2 includes more than simply software. The internal staff is required to work on creating policies and fixing control gaps. They also collect evidence. Independent audits also have its own fee.
In researching SOC 2 cost, companies should be aware key terminology distinction. SOC 2 produces a report that is completely independent and is not a certification as specified by ISO 27001. When businesses are looking for pricing, they frequently use the term “certification cost”. Whatever terminology appears in the budget, software does not take the place of an independent auditor.
Middle Ground isn’t required to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets might be familiar and affordable, however they may be uncomfortable if multiple files are utilized to convey policies, control ownership, evidence, ownership and audit information.
Alternatives to enterprise platforms do not necessarily need to cost a lot. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board that can be edited templates for policy and evidence along with progress management, as well as read-only auditor access. The platform’s access is secured with the requirement for multi-factor authentication. The stated price for the launch is $225 per month with a regular cost of $375 per month or $3,999 annually.
The absence of integration also means less exposure
CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to an organization’s operational systems. Evidence is presented but does not grant the compliance platform access to cloud environments as well as identities environments.
This strategy is not without its trade-offs. Evidence that could have been captured automatically should be provided by the business. In the case of a small group, however, the additional manual labor may be acceptable as a way to get a more simple set-up, lower cost of software as well as fewer connections with third parties.
If Complexity is the answer to a problem, purchase It
In a business that is expanding the manual process of collecting evidence may end up being inefficient. The expense of monitoring and integration is justified by the improved effectiveness.
The aim of the compliance stack isn’t to be the most advanced one in the market. The objective is to manage compliance, keep credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. Software that’s well designed will help with this. If the implementation of the compliance platform is beginning to feel like a much larger project than preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may be simply a more powerful software than a company needs.