Software designed to facilitate audits is known as compliance software. However, smaller companies could be caught in a tense situation: before they are able to arrange their SOC 2 controls, they must first implement an SOC 2 system, then configure and master an extensive compliance platform. This poses a question. At what point does the tool designed to reduce compliance work become another initiative of its own?
CertAssist grew out of that frustration. Its founders were involved in compliance implementations, audits as well as ISO 27001 frameworks. They came across platforms that offered a variety of features and integrations, but businesses were still using spreadsheets to handle the most crucial parts of audit preparation. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start with the Tasks That Have to be completed
Eliminate the jargon of software and it becomes more understandable. A company needs to work through the relevant Trust Services Criteria, establish proper controls, create guidelines, document evidence, monitor progress, and make the material accessible for audits by an independent auditor. Platforms are able to handle these processes without having to be connected with all cloud services or identity systems that companies utilize.
Automated integrations can be extremely valuable. Automating the collection of evidence for large organizations in a world that is constantly changing can save time. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same system required to be used for SOC 2 for startups. Startups operating in a smaller technology environment might prefer to gather evidence by hand, rather than maintain numerous integrations.
The cost for the audit as well as the cost of the software are two different expenses
When businesses treat all compliance costs in one number, budgeting becomes confusing. SOC 2 costs include more than software. The internal staff has to devote time creating policies, addressing any gaps in control, arranging evidence as well as cooperating with auditors. The independent audit also comes with its own fee.
When analyzing SOC 2 cost, companies should be aware important distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is not a certification and not a certification as defined by ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is commonly utilized by businesses searching for price information, is nevertheless frequently used. Whatever terms are used in the budget, software cannot replace the independent auditor.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to Be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and familiar, but they can become a hassle when spread across multiple files.
The alternative does not have to be a enterprise-level platform. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 controls and provides editable policies as well as templates for evidence. It also provides auditing and progress management, as well as auditors with access to read-only. Multi-factor authentication is necessary to secure the platform. The launch price stated at $225 is and will be followed by a regular price of $375 per month or $3,999 annually.
The absence of integration also means Less Exposure
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to any company’s operational systems. It provides evidence without giving the compliance platform standing access to identity and cloud environments.
The drawback is that this approach requires an agreement. Evidence that could have been collected automatically must instead be provided by the company. For smaller teams, the extra work might be justified with a simple set-up as well as lower software costs and fewer external connections.
If Complexity solves a problem, buy It
In an organization that is growing that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could end up being inefficient. This is when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations can earn their price.
The aim of a compliance stack isn’t to be the most advanced one in the market. It’s about getting the compliance tasks organized, maintain reliable evidence, and make the independent audit manageable. Software that is designed well can make this process much easier. If the implementation of the compliance platform starts to seem like a bigger task than preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may simply be more tool than what the business currently needs.
