Software developed to aid in audits is called compliance software. However, small-sized businesses are put in a difficult position. They must implement, configure and master the compliance software before they can implement their SOC 2 control. This leads to a crucial question. When does a tool to decrease compliance work transform into a new project?
CertAssist is the result of this frustration. Its creators had worked on compliance implementations and audits across SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. They frequently encountered platforms brimming with integrations and features while organizations were still using spreadsheets to manage crucial aspects of audit preparation. The simpler SOC 2 compliance software is sometimes the best solution for smaller organizations.
Begin with the Task that Should Be Done
Eliminate the terminology used by software and the primary requirement becomes easier to comprehend. It is important that companies comprehend the Trust Services Criteria. This involves setting up 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 be linked with the various identity or cloud-based services the company uses.
Integrations that are automated offer significant value. An organization that collects evidence in a constantly evolving environment may save significant time with automation. This doesn’t mean that the same infrastructure necessary to be used for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup has limited technology resources, it may be preferable to manually provide evidence and not have a lot of integrations.
The Audit and the Software Are Two Different Costs
It is difficult to budget when companies make each compliance expense a separate number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. The internal staff is required to work on things like preparing policies and fixing control gaps. They also collect evidence. The independent audit has its own set of fees.
Companies looking into SOC 2 certification costs should also be aware of the distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation document, but not a certification in the same meaning as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. However, “certification cost” is frequently used by companies searching for price information. Whatever terminology is employed in a budget, the software doesn’t replace the independent audit.
The Middle Ground isn’t required to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are often inexpensive and comfortable, but they are cumbersome when spread across several files.
The alternative doesn’t need to be a enterprise-level platform. CertAssist provides the SOC 2 controls on a central board that can be edited template templates for policy and evidence as well as progress management and auditing access that is read-only. Multi-factor authentication is needed to protect the platform. Its advertised launch price is $225 per month with a price that is regular at $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.
The same system that minimizes exposure is also possible through removing the need for it.
CertAssist is not apposed to connecting to the operating systems of a company. The evidence provided is not given without giving the compliance platform a permanent access to cloud and identity environments.
The drawback is that this approach requires an arrangement. It is the obligation of the business to provide the evidence that could have been automatically collected. 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 is the answer to a problem, purchase It
An expanding company could eventually reach a point where manually capturing evidence will become inefficient. Continuous monitoring and massive integrations will pay off at the point you are.
It’s not necessary to buy the most complicated compliance system until later. The aim is to arrange compliance, preserve evidence that is credible and ensure that independent audits are managed. Good software should remove the friction from this process. If the application of the compliance platform feels like it is taking longer than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be overkill.