Compliance software is intended to facilitate audits. Small companies are often in a difficult spot. Before they can put in their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and master an extensive compliance platform. This raises an interesting question. What happens when the tool that is designed to reduce compliance, turn into a separate task?
CertAssist resulted from that frustration. The creators of CertAssist had previous experience in compliance audits, as well as implementations under the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They found platforms with a wide range of features and integrations, but firms used spreadsheets for the main components of preparation for audits. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start by identifying the task that has to be accomplished
Eliminate the terminology used by software and the primary requirement becomes easier to comprehend. It is crucial for a company to comprehend the Trust Services Criteria. This involves setting up appropriate controls, collecting evidence, monitoring progress, and recording policies. A platform can organize those processes without having to be connected to each cloud-based service or identity system that the company operates.
Automated integrations can be beneficial. Automation can save a large organization lots of time when collecting evidence in a constantly changing environment. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same architecture is required to be used for SOC 2 by startups. A startup that has a small technology environment might prefer to do the evidence themselves and avoid the hassle of maintaining multiple integrations.
Both the Software and Audit are distinct expenses
When companies treat all compliance costs in one number, budgeting can be confusing. The SOC 2 cost includes more than just software. The internal staff must spend time preparing policies, addressing gaps in control, arranging proof and working with auditors. Independent audits also charge fees of their own.
Companies who are researching SOC 2 Certification Cost must be aware of the differences: SOC 2 is not a certificate in the sense of ISO 27001. Instead, it provides an independent attestation instead of an official certification. When companies are searching for prices, they typically refer to the cost as “certification costs”. Whatever terminology appears in the budget, software cannot substitute for the independent auditor.
Middle Ground isn’t required to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets may be familiar and inexpensive, but they can become a source of discomfort when multiple files are utilized to communicate policies, control the ownership of evidence, prove ownership, and auditing communication.
Alternatives to enterprise-grade platforms do not necessarily need to cost a lot. CertAssist provides the SOC 2 controls on a central board and provides editable templates for policies and evidence including progress management and auditor access with read-only. Multi-factor authentication is needed to secure the platform. The platform’s launch price is $225 monthly. The regular price is $375 per month or $3999 annually.
A lack of integration could also mean less exposure
CertAssist deliberately does not connect to an organization’s operational systems. The compliance platform has not been allowed access to cloud or identity environment.
The disadvantage is that this option requires an arrangement. The company must provide evidence which could have been captured through the automated system. But for smaller teams, the added work might be justified with a simple set-up and lower costs for software and fewer external connections.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Solves the issue
In an organization that is growing that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could become inefficient. This is when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations could pay their costs.
It is not necessary to buy the most complex compliance stack until later. The goal is to organize compliance, preserve evidence that is credible and make independent audits manageable. The right software will make this process easier. If the implementation of the compliance tool feels like it takes longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, then the tool might be too much.