Software that helps audits is known as compliance software. Smaller companies often find themselves in a precarious position. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, set up and understand an intricate compliance system. That raises a useful question. When does the instrument designed to decrease compliance work become another project of its own?
CertAssist was created out of the frustration. Its creators had worked on compliance audits and implementations in SOC 2, ISO 27001 and various frameworks. They had to deal with platforms that were packed with features and integrations. Moreover, organizations still rely on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of audit preparation. SOC 2 software that is simple can be better for smaller firms.
Begin by listing the Tasks That Must Be Completed
Take out the jargon in software and it’s easier to understand. A company needs to work through the pertinent Trust Services Criteria, establish appropriate controls, document policies, record evidence, track progress, and then make that information available to audit by an independent third party. Platforms are a great way to manage these activities without having to connect them with every cloud service and identity system that the company uses.
Automated integrations can bring a lot of value. Automating can save a large company a lot of time when it comes to collecting evidence in a changing environment. This doesn’t mean that the same system will be needed for SOC 2 by startups. A startup that has a compact technology environment may prefer to provide evidence manually and avoid the hassle of maintaining multiple integrations.
The Software and the Audit are distinct expenses
It can be confusing to budget when businesses take every compliance expense as one number. SOC 2 costs include more than just software. Internal staff spend time making policies, addressing control gaps, organizing evidence and working with the auditor. The independent audit has its own set of fees.
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. When companies seek prices, they typically employ the term “certification costs”. Software is not a substitute for an independent auditor, regardless of the language used in the budget.
The Middle Ground isn’t required to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to use, but they become cumbersome when they are spread over many files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform to serve as a alternative. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board and provides editable template templates for policy and evidence along with progress management, as well as auditing access that is read-only. Multi-factor authentication is necessary for security purposes to ensure the system is secure. The stated launch price of $225 is and will be followed by a regular price of $375 per month, or $3,999 annually.
A lack of integration could also mean less exposure
CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to any company’s operational systems. The evidence provided is not given without giving the compliance platform standing access to cloud and identity environments.
The trade-off is that this strategy requires an agreement. The company must provide evidence that could have been gathered using an automated system. The extra manual work is reasonable for a small team, but it will result in a more simple setup, lower cost and fewer connections with third party.
Complexity Purchase when it Solves the issue
In a business that is expanding the manual process of collecting evidence may turn into inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations can earn their fees.
It’s not necessary to buy the most complicated compliance system until later. The objective is to manage compliance, keep credible evidence and allow independent audits to be managed. A well-designed software system should help in reducing the friction. If implementing the compliance platform is beginning to appear like a more complex project than preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may simply be more tool than the company currently requires.