Compliance software is intended aid in audits. However, small businesses may be caught in a tense position: before they can manage their SOC 2 controls, they first must implement or configure an extensive compliance platform. This leads to a crucial question. What is the point at which a tool that can make compliance easier turn into a new project?
CertAssist developed out of this frustration. The founders of the company focused on compliance implementations, audits, and ISO 27001 frameworks. They found platforms with a wide range of integrations and features, but businesses used spreadsheets for the most important components of preparation for audits. SOC 2 software that is simpler can be more suitable for smaller enterprises.
Begin with the Task that Should Be Done
Remove the software jargon and it is easier to understand. The company must work through Trust Services Criteria and establish adequate controls. They should also record policies, gather evidence, keep track of their development, and offer this documentation to independent auditors. Platforms can manage these functions without having to be linked with the various identity or cloud-based services the company uses.
Integrations that are automated can be very valuable. Automating can save a large organization a lot of time when it comes to collecting evidence in a changing environment. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups with a compact technology environment may choose to record evidence on their own instead of managing a number of integrations.
The cost of the audit and that of the software are two different expenses
The process of budgeting can become confusing when companies treat every compliance expense as one number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff members are responsible for making policies, addressing problems with control, organizing evidence, and working with the auditor. The audit independent also has its own cost.
In researching SOC 2 cost, businesses must be aware of one key terminology distinction. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent, and not a certificate as defined by ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently used by businesses when searching for pricing information, is nevertheless commonly used. Whatever terminology appears in the budget, software can’t substitute for the independent auditor.
Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are inexpensive and familiar But they aren’t as easy when policies, controls, ownership, evidence, and auditing communications start to be spread across many files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform as a alternative. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 controls and allows users to edit policies and templates for proving. It also gives progress management and auditors with access only to read. Multi-factor authentication is required for security purposes to ensure the system is secure. The platform’s launch price is $225 monthly. Regular pricing is $375 per month, or $3999 per year.
No integration can also mean less exposure
CertAssist deliberately does not connect to the operational systems of the company. The compliance platform has not been allowed access to cloud or the identity system.
The disadvantage is that this strategy requires an agreement. The business must present evidence that could have been gathered using the automated system. The manual effort is reasonable for a tiny team, but it will result in a easier setup, less expense and less connections to third parties.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Solves the issue
A growing company may eventually arrive at a point when the manual process of collecting evidence can become unproductive. The expense of continuous monitoring and integration is justified by the improved effectiveness.
Until then, the goal isn’t to purchase the most advanced compliance platform available. It’s about getting the compliance tasks well-organized, provide solid evidence, and allow for an independent audit to be managed. A good software program should reduce friction in this process. If the implementation of the compliance platform seems like it is taking longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be too much.