Compliance software is supposed to facilitate audits. However, small businesses may be put in a tricky situation: before they are able to set up their SOC 2 controls, they first have to implement the system, set up, and then learn the intricacy of a compliance system. This raises an interesting question. When will the tool which is intended to lower compliance, become a separate program?
CertAssist was created out of the frustration. The founders of the company have worked on compliance implementations and audits and ISO 27001 frameworks. They found platforms with a wide range of integrations and features, but companies used spreadsheets for the main elements of preparation for audits. For smaller enterprises, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can often be the better answer.
Begin by listing the Tasks That Have to be completed
Take away the software terms and the core requirement becomes easier to understand. The business must follow the Trust Services Criteria and establish the appropriate control measures. They must also write down the policies, document evidence, keep track of their performance, and make this material available for independent auditors. Platforms are able to manage these functions without having to be connected with all cloud services or identity systems that companies utilize.
Automated integrations have significant value. A large company that gathers data across a constantly changing environment could save significant time with automation. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups that have a compact technology environment may prefer to provide evidence manually and avoid the hassle of maintaining multiple integrations.
The Software and the Audit are two different costs.
When companies consider all compliance costs as a single number, budgeting can become confusing. SOC 2 includes more than just software. Internal staff spend time developing policies, fixing weaknesses in control, organizing evidence and working together with the auditor. Independent audits also have its own fees.
When looking into SOC 2 costs, businesses should be aware of a crucial distinction in terms. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent, and not a certification as defined by ISO 27001. If businesses are seeking pricing, they frequently refer to the cost as “certification costs”. Whatever terminology appears in the budget, software doesn’t take the place of an independent auditor.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be affordable and familiar, but they can become a hassle when they are spread across multiple files.
It isn’t necessary to use an enterprise platform to serve as a alternative. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board that can be edited policy and evidence templates along with progress management, as well as read-only auditor access. A mandatory multi-factor authentication system helps secure access to the platform. Its stated launch price is $225 per month, and the regular price is $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.
In addition, no integration may mean less exposure
CertAssist does not intentionally connect with the company’s operating systems. The evidence provided is not given without giving the platform with standing access to identity and cloud environments.
This method involves a tradeoff. The evidence that could have been obtained automatically has to be supplied by the company. The extra manual work is acceptable for a small group in exchange for simpler setup, lower costs and less connections to third parties.
If Complexity solves a problem, buy It
A growing organization may eventually reach the point where the manual process of gathering evidence is no longer efficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will pay off when you reach that point.
It’s not required to purchase the most complex compliance platform up to the point of. The goal is to streamline the compliance process, collect evidence and manage independent audits. The best software will remove any friction from this process. If the installation of the compliance tool feels like it’s taking longer than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be too expensive.
