A compliance software should simplify auditing. But small businesses can be placed in a tough spot. They must implement, configure and master a compliance platform before they can organize their SOC 2 control. This raises an interesting question. What is the point at which a tool that can lower compliance work become the creation of a new project?
CertAssist resulted from that frustration. Its creators had worked on compliance and audits that were based on SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations, while companies used spreadsheets for crucial elements of audit preparation. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start with the Work That Has to be Done
Get rid of the software jargon, and it becomes more understandable. The company must work through Trust Services Criteria and establish adequate controls. They should also document the policies, document evidence, monitor their development, and offer this documentation to independent auditors. Platforms are able to handle these functions without having to be connected to the various identity or cloud-based services companies use.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. A large company that gathers evidence from a continuously changing environment can save time through automation. It doesn’t mean that the same system is needed for SOC 2 in startups. If a startup has only a tiny technology infrastructure It may be more beneficial to create evidence by hand and not have a lot of integrations.
The Audit and Software are different expenses
It is difficult to budget when companies make each compliance expense an individual number. SOC 2 includes more than simply software. Internal staff members are responsible for developing policies, fixing control gaps, organizing evidence and collaborating with the auditor. Independent audits also charge their own set of fees.
Companies researching SOC 2 certification costs should be aware of a difference in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the exact meaning as ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently employed by businesses looking for price information, is still popular. No matter what terminology is employed in a budget, the software cannot replace an independent audit.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be cheap and familiar, but they can become a hassle when they are spread over several files.
It is not necessary to use an enterprise platform for alternative. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a central board and provides editable templates for policies and evidence as well as progress management and read-only auditor access. Multi-factor authentication is mandatory to ensure access to the platform. Its advertised launch price is $225 monthly, and the regular price is $375 monthly or $3,999 annually.
In addition, no integration could mean less exposure
CertAssist deliberately does not connect to the operational systems of an organization. Evidence is provided without giving the platform with standing access to cloud and identity environments.
This option is not without its pitfalls. The company must prove that could have been gathered by the automated system. For a small team however, the extra manual work may be reasonable in exchange for a simpler installation, less software cost and less third-party connections.
Purchase Complexity when it solves the issue
An expanding company may arrive at a point where manual evidence gathering becomes inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations can earn their costs.
It’s not necessary to buy the most complicated compliance stack until later. The aim is to arrange compliance, maintain credible evidence and manage independent audits. Good software should remove the friction from that process. The implementation of the compliance platform could be more of a challenge rather than the preparation of the SOC 2 itself. It might be that the company does not require more tools.