Software that facilitates audits is known as compliance software. However, smaller companies could be caught in a tense position: before they can set up their SOC 2 controls, they need to first install, configure, and learn the intricate compliance platform. This poses a question. What happens when a tool designed to make compliance easier turn into an entirely new venture?
CertAssist was created out of the frustration. Its founders had worked on compliance-related implementations and audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001 as well as other frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations. Moreover, companies still rely on spreadsheets for essential elements of auditing process. SOC 2 software that is simple is more appropriate for smaller firms.
Begin by identifying the task that Should Be Done
Take away the software terms and the primary requirement becomes more understandable. The company must work through the relevant Trust Services Criteria, establish proper controls, create policies, gather evidence, keep track of progress and make that material available for audits by an independent auditor. A platform can organize those tasks without having to connect to every cloud service or identity system the company uses.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. Automated integrations can save an company a lot of time when it comes to collecting data in a dynamic environment. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same architecture is required to be used for SOC 2 by startups. If a startup is operating in an insufficient technology environment it could be best to create evidence by hand and avoid integrating too many systems.
Software and Audits Are different expenses
When companies consider all compliance costs as one number, budgeting can be unclear. SOC 2 includes more than simply software. The internal staff has to devote time preparing policies, addressing weaknesses in control, arranging evidence and working with auditors. The audit independent also has its 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. However the term “certification cost”, which is often employed by companies when looking for pricing information, is nevertheless popular. Whatever terminology is employed in a budget, the software doesn’t replace the independent audit.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets may be familiar and cheap, but they can be uncomfortable when multiple files are utilized for communication of policies, control, evidence, ownership and auditing communication.
Alternatives to enterprise platforms do not necessarily have to be costly. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board that can be edited templates for policies and evidence along with progress management, as well as auditing access that is read-only. A mandatory multi-factor authentication system helps secure access to the platform. The stated price for the launch is $225 monthly and the regular price is $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.
The same integration that reduces exposure is also possible by removing the need for it
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to the systems that run a business. It provides evidence without giving the platform with standing access to cloud and identity environments.
The drawback is that this approach requires a compromise. The company must provide evidence that could have been collected through the automated system. In the case of small teams, the added work might be justified for a less complicated setup and lower costs for software and fewer external connections.
Buy Complexity If Complexity Solves a problem
An expanding company may arrive at a point where manual evidence gathering becomes inefficient. Continuous monitoring and massive integrations will pay off at the point you are.
It is not necessary to buy the most complex compliance platform up to the point of. It’s to get the compliance work well-organized, provide credible evidence, and ensure that the independent audit is manageable. Software that’s well designed will make this process simpler. If the installation of the compliance platform is a feeling that it’s taking more time than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, it could be overkill.