Software for compliance is designed to make an audit easier. However, smaller companies could be in a difficult position: before they can manage their SOC 2 controls, they first must implement, configure, and learn the intricacy of a compliance platform. This raises an interesting question. What are the conditions that make a tool to make compliance easier turn into an entirely new project?
CertAssist grew out of that frustration. Its founders have worked on compliance implementations and audits as well as ISO 27001 frameworks. They encountered numerous platforms with features and integrations while companies used spreadsheets for important pieces of the actual audit preparation. For smaller enterprises, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can occasionally be the best solution.
Start by identifying the tasks that Have to be completed
Remove the terms used in software and the essential requirement is easier to understand. It is vital for a company to comprehend the Trust Services Criteria. This includes setting the right controls, gathering evidence, evaluating the progress of the process and establishing the policies. Platforms are able to manage these activities without needing to connect with the various identity or cloud-based services that companies use.
Automated integrations have many advantages. Automation can save a large organization lots of time while collecting data in a dynamic environment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the same technology is required for SOC 2 by startups. A startup that has a small technology environment might prefer to make evidence by hand and avoid maintaining numerous integrations.
Both the Software and Audit are distinct expenses
If companies view all compliance costs as a single number, budgeting can be confusing. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. The internal staff must spend time on preparing policies, addressing gaps in management, arranging the evidence as well as working with auditors. The independent audit also has its own cost.
When analyzing SOC 2 cost, companies must be aware of a key terminology distinction. SOC 2 produces a report that is completely independent and not a formal certification as defined by ISO 27001. But, “certification cost” is typically used by businesses looking for pricing information. No matter what terminology is employed in the budget, the software doesn’t replace the independent audit.
The Middle Ground isn’t required to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are simple and easy to use But they aren’t as easy when policies, controls, evidence, ownership and auditing communications start to be spread across several files.
The alternative doesn’t need to be a business platform. CertAssist consolidates the SOC2 controls and provides editable policies as well as templates for evidence. It also allows auditors and progress management with access to read-only. The platform’s access is secured with a multi-factor authentication requirement. The initial price for launch of $225 will be and will be followed by a regular price of $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.
The absence of integration also means less exposure
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to the operational systems of a business. Evidence is presented but does not grant the platform with access to cloud environments and identities environments.
The method is a compromise. The company must prove that could have been obtained using an automated system. For a small team, however, the additional manual labor may be acceptable in exchange for a simpler setting up, lower costs for software as well as fewer connections with third parties.
Buy Complexity If Complexity Solves the issue
In a business that is expanding that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could be inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will be beneficial at the point you are.
The aim of a compliance stack isn’t to be the most advanced one on the market. The goal is to streamline the compliance process, collect evidence and manage independent audits. Software that is designed well will help with this. If implementing the compliance platform is beginning to feel like a much larger task than the preparation for SOC 2 itself, it may simply be more tools than the company needs.