Software that helps audits is called compliance software. However, small businesses may be in a difficult position: before they can organize their SOC 2 controls, they first must implement an SOC 2 system, then configure and master the intricacy of a compliance platform. This poses a question. When does a tool to make compliance easier turn into a new project?
CertAssist was conceived out of this discontent. The CertAssist founders had experience with compliance audits and implementations in ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They had to deal with platforms that were packed with integrations and features while firms were still using spreadsheets to manage crucial aspects of audit preparation. For smaller enterprises, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical solution.
Start with the Work That Has to be Done
If you remove the terminology used by software it is much easier to comprehend. An organization must work through the relevant Trust Services Criteria, establish the appropriate controls, establish policies, collect evidence, keep track of progress and then make the information available for audits conducted by an independent entity. A platform is able to manage those tasks without having to connect to every cloud-based service or identity system the company operates.
Automated integrations certainly have value. Automation can save a large organization lots of time in collecting evidence in an ever-changing environment. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup has an insufficient technology environment It may be more beneficial to provide the evidence manually and to avoid the need for many integrations.
Software and the Audit Are Two Different Costs
When businesses treat all compliance expenses as a single number, budgeting can be difficult. SOC 2 includes more than only software. Internal staff members are responsible for developing policies, fixing problems with control, organizing evidence and working together with the auditor. Independent audits also have its own cost.
Businesses looking for information on SOC 2 certification costs should also be aware of the distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report instead of an actual certification in the same terms as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. However, “certification cost” is commonly used when businesses search for pricing information. Whatever the terminology employed in a budget, the software is not a substitute for an independent audit.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to Be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to access, but they become awkward when controls, policies, ownership, evidence, and auditing communications start to be spread across many documents.
It is not required to use an enterprise platform for alternative. CertAssist centralizes SOC2 controls and lets you edit policies and templates for evidence. It also gives progress management and auditors with read-only access. Multi-factor authentication is required for security purposes to ensure the system is secure. The price of its launch is $225 per month, with a regular cost of $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.
The same system that minimizes exposure could also be achieved without the need to it.
CertAssist does not purposely connect with a company’s operating systems. Evidence is presented without granting the compliance platform access to cloud environments and the identity environment.
This strategy is not without its pitfalls. Information that could have been captured automatically should be supplied by the company. In the case of a small group, however, the additional manual effort may be worth it in exchange for simpler installation, less software cost and less connections to third party sources.
If Complexity is the answer to a problem, purchase It
Growing companies may get to the point that manual evidence gathering is no longer efficient. This is when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations could pay their costs.
The goal until then isn’t to buy the most sophisticated compliance software available. The goal is to organize compliance, maintain credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. A good software program should eliminate friction out of the process. The implementation of the compliance platform could seem more like a task rather than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that a company doesn’t require as many tools.