Software that helps audits is called compliance software. Small companies are often in a difficult spot. Before they can implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, set up and understand an extensive compliance platform. This poses a question. When does a tool to reduce compliance work turn into the creation of a new project?
CertAssist was born out of this frustration. Its creators focused on compliance implementations, audits and ISO 27001 frameworks. They encountered numerous platforms with features and integrations, while firms still relied on spreadsheets for important pieces of the actual audit preparation. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start by identifying the task you need to complete
Take away the software terms and the essential requirement is more understandable. It is vital that businesses know the Trust Services Criteria. This includes establishing appropriate controls, collecting evidence, keeping track of progress and documenting policies. Platforms can be used to organize these processes without needing to link them with each cloud service and identity system that the company uses.
Automated integrations can be very valuable. A large organization collecting evidence across a constantly changing environment can save time through automation. However, this doesn’t mean the same system is needed to be used for SOC 2 in startups. Startups that have a small technology environment may choose to record evidence on their own instead of maintaining a multitude of integrations.
The cost of an audit and software are two distinct costs.
The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses consider each compliance expense separate numbers. SOC 2 includes more than only software. Internal staff are busy creating policies, addressing the issues with control, arranging evidence and collaborating with the auditor. The audit independent also has its own fee.
When analyzing SOC 2 cost, businesses must be aware of one crucial distinction in terms. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent and not a certification as defined by ISO 27001. When businesses are looking for prices, they typically refer to the cost as “certification costs”. Whatever terminology is employed in the budget, the software is not a substitute for an independent audit.
Middle Ground isn’t required to be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are simple and easy to use But they aren’t as easy when the policies, controls, evidence, ownership, and audit communications begin to spread across multiple files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform for alternative. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board, and offers editable templates for policy and evidence along with progress management, as well as read-only auditor access. The platform’s access is secured by an authentication process that requires multi-factor. The price of the platform’s initial launch is $225 a month. The regular price is $375 a month or $3999 annually.
No Integration Can Also Mean More Exposure
CertAssist is not designed to connect to the operational systems of the company. The compliance platform isn’t allowed access to cloud or to the identity environment.
This method has its drawbacks. The business must present evidence that could have been collected using an automated system. In the case of small teams, the additional work could be justified for a less complicated setup with lower software expenses, and with fewer external connections.
Buy Complexity when it solves a Problem
A growing company may eventually get to a point at which the manual method of gathering evidence can become unproductive. That’s when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations could pay their cost.
It is not required to purchase the most complicated compliance system until later. It’s to get the compliance work well-organized, provide credible evidence, and enable the independent audit to be manageable. The best software will remove any friction from this process. If the implementation of the compliance platform begins to seem like a bigger task than preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may simply be more tool than what the business currently requires.