Compliance software is intended to make an audit easier. However, smaller companies could be in a difficult situation. Before they can set up their SOC 2 controls, they first have to implement, configure, and learn the intricate compliance system. This poses a question. When does the tool that is designed to reduce compliance become a separate project?
CertAssist grew out of that frustration. Its creators had worked on compliance-related implementations and audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001 and other frameworks. They had to deal with platforms that were packed with features and integrations while organizations still rely on spreadsheets for essential elements of auditing process. For smaller companies, a simpler SOC 2 compliance software can often be the better answer.
Begin with the job that must be completed
Remove the software jargon and it’s much simpler to comprehend. It is vital for a company to be aware of the Trust Services Criteria. This includes setting adequate controls, gathering evidence, keeping track of the progress of the process and establishing the policies. Platforms can be used to manage these activities without having to link them with each cloud service or identity software that the company utilizes.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. Automating the gathering of evidence by large corporations in a world which is always changing can make it easier to save time. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary to be used for SOC 2 for startups. Startups with a compact technology infrastructure might prefer to collect evidence manually instead of managing a number of integrations.
Both the Software and Audit are different expenses
Budgeting becomes confusing when companies consider every compliance expense as one number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. The internal staff has to spend time on the following: preparing policies and addressing gaps in control. They also manage evidence. Independent audits are also charged their own 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 are searching for prices, they typically utilize the term “certification costs”. Whatever the terminology used in the budget, software doesn’t substitute for the independent auditor.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are inexpensive and familiar However, they can be a bit awkward when the policies, controls, evidence, ownership, and audit communications begin to spread across several documents.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform to serve as a alternative. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 controls and allows users to edit policies and templates for evidence. It also provides auditing and progress management, as well as auditors with read-only access. The mandatory multi-factor authentication safeguards access to the platform. The stated price for the launch is $225 per month and the regular price is $375 monthly or $3,999 annually.
The same kind of integration that decreases exposure can also be achieved through removing the need for it.
CertAssist does not intend to connect with the company’s operating systems. Evidence is presented without granting the platform with access to cloud environments or identity environments.
This option is not without its trade-offs. It is the obligation of the company to provide proof that could have been automatically collected. The additional manual work required is reasonable for a small group in exchange for easier setup, less expense and fewer connections with third parties.
Complexity Purchase when it Solves the issue
A growing company could eventually arrive at a point where the manual process of gathering evidence is no longer efficient. The cost of continuous monitoring and integration could be justified by the increased efficiency.
It is not required to purchase the most complex compliance stack until then. It’s crucial to maintain the credibility of the evidence and to organize compliance work and handle the audit independently. A good software program should help in reducing the friction. The implementation of the compliance platform could feel more like a project rather than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that the company is not using numerous tools.