Software developed to aid in audits is referred to as compliance software. Small businesses are usually in a precarious position. Before they can put in their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and master an extensive compliance platform. This brings up a fascinating question. When does a tool to make compliance easier turn into a new project?
CertAssist is the result of this discontent. Its developers had worked on compliance audits and implementations in SOC 2, ISO 27001 as well as other frameworks. The program’s creators were constantly confronted by platforms that had many functions and integrations. However, the companies they worked for utilized spreadsheets to create important audit pieces. For smaller enterprises, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can at times be the most practical solution.
Begin by listing the Tasks That Are Required to 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 the appropriate controls, establish policies, record evidence, keep track of progress and then make the information available for audits conducted by an independent entity. A platform is able to manage those actions without needing to connect to every cloud service or identity system the firm uses.
Automated integrations are extremely beneficial. Automating can save a large organization lots of time while collecting data in a dynamic environment. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups that have a small technology environment might prefer to provide evidence manually and avoid maintaining numerous integrations.
The cost of the audit and that of the software are two separate expenses
The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses take each compliance expense as an individual number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff spend time making policies, addressing control gaps, organizing evidence and collaborating together with the auditor. Independent audits have their own cost as well.
Businesses looking for information about SOC 2 Certification Cost must also be aware of the difference: SOC 2 is not a type of certificate within the meaning of ISO 27001. Instead, it produces an independent attestation, not an ordinary certification. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently employed by companies when looking for price data, is widely used. Whatever terminology appears in the budget, software cannot replace the independent auditor.
The Middle Ground isn’t required to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are inexpensive and familiar, but they become awkward when the policies, controls, evidence, ownership and audit communications begin to spread across several documents.
The alternative does not have to be an enterprise platform. CertAssist displays the SOC 2 controls on a central board, includes editable templates to govern policies and evidence, as well as progress monitoring, and auditors are able to only read. The platform’s access is protected by an authentication process that requires multi-factor. The stated price for the launch is $225 per month, with regular pricing of $375 monthly or $3,999 annually.
In addition, no integration could mean A Less Exposed
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to the systems that run a company. Evidence is provided without giving the compliance platform standing access to cloud and identity environments.
The method is a compromise. The company has to provide evidence that could have been collected through an automated system. The extra manual work is reasonable for a tiny team in exchange of a easier setup, less expense and fewer relationships with third party.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Resolves a Problem
A growing company could eventually reach the point where the manual process of gathering evidence is no longer efficient. This is when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations may pay their cost.
Until then, the goal isn’t buying the most sophisticated compliance software available. The goal is to streamline compliance, keep credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. A good software program should eliminate friction from the process. If the process of implementing the compliance platform is a feeling that it takes longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, then the tool might be too much.