A compliance software should simplify auditing. But small-sized companies may find themselves in a strange situation. Before they can organize their SOC 2 controls, they need to first install an SOC 2 system, then configure and master an elaborate compliance system. This brings up a fascinating question. When does the tool intended to decrease compliance become a separate project?
CertAssist is the product of this frustration. The founders of the company were involved in compliance implementations, audits as well as ISO 27001 frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations, while businesses still rely on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of preparation for audits. More simple SOC 2 compliance software is often the best option for smaller companies.
Begin by identifying the job that has to be accomplished
If you remove the terminology used by software it will be much easier to comprehend. The company must work through Trust Services Criteria and establish the appropriate controls. They must also create policies, collect evidence, keep track of their performance, and making this information available for independent auditors. Platforms can be used to manage these functions without having to link them with each cloud service and identity software that the company utilizes.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. Automating the gathering of evidence by a large company in an environment that is constantly changing can help save time. This doesn’t necessarily mean that 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 provide the evidence manually and to avoid the need for many integrations.
The cost of the audit and that of the software are two different expenses
When companies treat all compliance expenses as a single number, budgeting may become complicated. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. The internal staff must spend time in preparing policies, addressing gaps in control, arranging evidence and working with auditors. The audit independent also has its own fee.
Companies researching SOC 2 certification costs should also understand a terminology distinction: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation document, but not an official certification in the same terms as ISO 27001. However the term “certification cost” is commonly used by businesses when searching for price information, is still widely used. Software cannot substitute for an independent auditor, irrespective of the terminology used within the budget.
Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to access, but they become awkward when policies, controls, ownership evidence, and audit communication begin spreading across several files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise-level platform as a alternative. CertAssist shows the SOC 2 controls in an integrated board. It also provides editable templates for policies and evidence, as well as progress monitoring, and auditors are able to only read. The platform’s access is secured with a multi-factor authentication requirement. The platform’s launch price is $225 monthly. The regular price is $375 per month or $3999 per year.
In addition, no integration could mean More Exposure
CertAssist does not intentionally connect with a company’s operating systems. The evidence is presented without granting the compliance platform a permanent access to identity and cloud environments.
The downside is that this option requires an arrangement. It is the responsibility of the business to provide evidence which could have been collected automatically. The additional manual work is reasonable for a small team in exchange for a simpler setup, lower costs and fewer connections with third parties.
If Complexity Solves a Problem, Purchase It
In a growing organization it is possible that manual evidence collection will turn into inefficient. That’s when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations can earn their cost.
Until then, the goal isn’t necessarily to buy the most advanced compliance software available. It’s crucial to keep the evidence credible and to organize compliance work and handle the audit independently. A good software program should eliminate friction from this process. If the application of the compliance platform is a feeling that it’s taking more time than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, it could be too much.