A compliance software will make auditing easier. But small businesses can be placed in a tricky position. They need to set up or configure the compliance software before they can implement their SOC 2 control. It’s a great question. What happens when a tool designed to decrease compliance work transform into a new project?
CertAssist was created out of the frustration. Its developers had worked on compliance-related implementations and audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. The program’s creators were constantly confronted by platforms that offered a wide range of features and integrations, while the organizations they worked for utilized spreadsheets to create critical auditing pieces. For smaller businesses, a less complicated SOC 2 compliance software can often be the better answer.
Start With the Job That Should Be Done
If you remove the software terminology, it becomes much easier to comprehend. An organization must work through the pertinent Trust Services Criteria, establish adequate controls, write down policies, record evidence, track progress, and make that material available to audit by an independent third party. A platform can organize those tasks without having to connect to each cloud service or identity system that the company uses.
Integrations that are automated offer significant value. An organization that collects evidence across a constantly changing environment could save significant time with automation. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup operates in limited technology resources It may be more beneficial to make the necessary evidence available manually and to avoid the need for many integrations.
Software and the Audit Are different expenses
It is difficult to budget when companies treat each compliance expense as distinct numbers. SOC 2 includes more than just software. The internal staff is required to spend time on the following: preparing policies and addressing control gaps. They also arrange evidence. The independent audit also has its own fee.
In researching SOC 2 costs, businesses must be aware of one important distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent and is not a certification as specified by ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is commonly employed by companies when looking for pricing data, is frequently used. Software cannot substitute for the independent auditor regardless of the language used within the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are cheap and easy to use They are easy to use, but they can become a little awkward when controls, policies, ownership, evidence, and audit communication begin spreading across many files.
The alternative doesn’t have to be a platform for enterprise. CertAssist shows the SOC 2 controls in one central display, and provides editable templates for policies and evidence, progress tracking, and auditors will only read. A mandatory multi-factor authentication system helps secure access to the system. The stated launch price of $225 will be then followed by regular pricing of $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.
A lack of integration could also mean less exposure
CertAssist is not apposed to connecting with the company’s operating systems. Evidence is provided without giving the compliance platform a permanent access to cloud or identity environments.
This strategy is not without its pitfalls. Information that could have been captured automatically should be provided by the business. The manual effort is reasonable for a small team in exchange for a simpler setup, lower costs and less ties with third party.
If Complexity is the answer to a problem, purchase It
Growing companies may arrive at a point where manual evidence gathering becomes inefficient. The cost of continuous monitoring and integration is justified by the increased efficiency.
The goal of the compliance stack isn’t to be the most sophisticated one that is available. It’s about getting the compliance process organised, keep credible evidence, and ensure that the independent audit is manageable. Good software should remove friction from this process. Implementing the compliance platform may be more of a challenge as opposed to preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that a company is not using as many tools.