A compliance software will make auditing easier. Small companies are often in a difficult spot. Before they can put in their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and learn an intricate compliance system. That raises a useful question. When does a tool to reduce compliance work turn into an entirely new venture?
CertAssist developed out of this frustration. The CertAssist founders were familiar with compliance audits and implementations in ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They had to deal with platforms that were packed with features and integrations, while companies still relied on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of preparation for audits. More simple SOC 2 compliance software is often the best option for smaller enterprises.
Start with the task that has to be accomplished
Get rid of the software jargon, and it is easier to understand. It is crucial that businesses know the Trust Services Criteria. This involves setting up appropriate controls, collecting evidence, tracking progress and documenting policies. A platform can help organize these actions without needing to connect to every cloud-based service or identity system the company uses.
Integrations that are automated offer many advantages. A large organization collecting evidence in a constantly evolving environment could save significant time with automation. This doesn’t mean that the same structure is required to be used for SOC 2 in startups. Startups with a smaller technology infrastructure may choose to present evidence in person and not maintain a multitude of integrations.
The Audit and the Software Are Two Different Costs
The process of budgeting can become confusing when companies consider every compliance expense as one number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff spend time preparing policies, addressing weaknesses in control, organizing evidence and collaborating together with the auditor. The audit independent also has its own cost.
Companies who are researching SOC 2 certification cost should be aware of a distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the exact meaning as ISO 27001. When companies are searching for prices, they typically refer to the cost as “certification costs”. Software cannot replace the independent auditor irrespective of the terms employed in the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and comfortable, but they are cumbersome when spread across multiple files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise-level platform as a substitute. CertAssist displays the SOC 2 controls in one central display, and allows you to edit templates for policies and evidence, along with progress tracking, and auditors have the ability to only see. Multi-factor authentication is mandatory to ensure access to the system. The cost of the platform’s launch is $225 a month. The normal price is $375 a month or $3999 per year.
The same process that can reduce exposure can be accomplished by removing the need for it.
CertAssist does not intentionally connect to the operating systems of a company. Evidence is presented, but without granting the platform with access to cloud environments or the identity environment.
The drawback is that this method requires an arrangement. The company must provide evidence that could have been gathered using an automated system. But for smaller teams, the extra work might be justified by a more simple setup as well as lower software costs and fewer external connections.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Resolves a problem
A growing company could eventually reach the point where the manual process of gathering evidence becomes inefficient. The expense of continuous monitoring and integration can be justified by the improved effectiveness.
The goal until then isn’t to purchase the most advanced compliance platform available. The objective is to manage compliance, keep credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. The best software will remove any friction from that process. Implementing a compliance platform can be more of a challenge than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that a company doesn’t require more tools.