Software that helps audits is known as compliance software. Small companies are often in a difficult spot. Before they can begin implementing their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure, and learn a complex platform for compliance. This raises an interesting question. At what point does the tool that was designed to ease compliance work become another project that is its own?
CertAssist is the result of this discontent. Its developers had worked on compliance implementations and audits across SOC 2, ISO 27001 as well as other frameworks. They frequently encountered platforms brimming with features and integrations, while companies still relied on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of preparation for audits. More simple SOC 2 compliance software is sometimes the best solution for smaller organizations.
Begin by listing the Tasks That Have to be completed
If you remove the terms used in software, it becomes much easier to understand. It is vital that companies understand the Trust Services Criteria. This includes establishing appropriate controls, collecting evidence, monitoring the progress of the process and establishing policies. Platforms can be used to manage these activities without having to connect them with every cloud service and identity system the company has in place.
Automated integrations can bring a lot of value. An organization that collects evidence from a continuously changing environment can significantly cut down on time by automating. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same system is required to be used for SOC 2 by startups. A startup that has a smaller technology infrastructure may choose to provide evidence manually and not maintain a multitude of integrations.
The cost of an audit and the software are two distinct expenses
Budgeting becomes difficult when companies treat each compliance expense as an individual number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff members must devote time preparing policies, addressing any gaps in control, arranging proof and working with auditors. Independent audits also charge their own set of fees.
When looking into SOC 2 costs, businesses must be aware of a fundamental distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is not a certification and not a certificate as defined by ISO 27001. If businesses are seeking pricing, they often employ the term “certification costs”. Software does not replace an independent auditor, regardless of the terms used within the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be affordable and familiar, but they can become a hassle when they are spread across multiple files.
It isn’t necessary to use an enterprise platform for substitute. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board, which includes editable templates for policy and evidence including progress management and auditing access that is read-only. Multi-factor authentication is essential for security purposes to ensure the system is secure. The price of its launch is $225 monthly, and the regular price is $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.
The same system that minimizes exposure can also be achieved by removing the need for it.
CertAssist deliberately does not connect to the operational systems of a business. Evidence is presented without granting the platform with access to cloud environments as well as identities environments.
The downside is that this method requires an agreement. It is the responsibility of the company to provide proof that could have been automatically collected. The manual effort is reasonable for a tiny team in exchange of a more simple setup, lower cost and fewer relationships with third party.
If Complexity Solves a Problem, Buy It
In an organization that is growing the manual process of collecting evidence may become inefficient. Monitoring continuously and extensive integrations may pay their price.
Until then, the goal isn’t necessarily to buy the most sophisticated compliance software available. The aim is to arrange compliance, preserve evidence that is credible and manage independent audits. The right software will make this process easier. If the process of implementing the compliance platform feels like it’s taking longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, the software may not be enough.