Compliance software is supposed to facilitate audits. Small businesses are usually in a precarious position. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and master an intricate platform for compliance. This poses a question. When did the device which is intended to lower compliance, turn into a separate task?
CertAssist is the result of this discontent. The creators of CertAssist were familiar with compliance audits, as well as implementations under the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations. Moreover, organizations were still using spreadsheets to manage important pieces of the actual preparation for audits. Simpler SOC 2 compliance software is often the most effective solution for smaller organizations.
Start by identifying the tasks that Need to Be Done
Eliminate the terminology used by software and the fundamental requirement will become easier to understand. The company needs to work through Trust Services Criteria and establish appropriate control measures. They must also create policies, collect evidence, monitor their progress, as well as make this material available for independent auditors. Platforms are able to manage these tasks without having to be connected with the various identity or cloud-based services a company utilizes.
Automated integrations can be very valuable. A large-scale organization that is collecting data across a constantly changing environment can save time via automation. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup has only a tiny technology infrastructure, it may be preferable to provide the evidence manually and avoid integrating too many systems.
The Audit and the Software Are Two Different Costs
Budgeting can be difficult if companies make each compliance expense distinct numbers. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff members are responsible for preparing policies, addressing control gaps, organizing evidence, and working with the auditor. The independent audit has its own set of fees.
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 a certification in the same terms as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost”, which is often used by businesses when searching for price information, is nevertheless frequently used. Whatever terms are used in the budget, software can’t substitute for the independent auditor.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets might be familiar and cheap, but they can become uncomfortable when multiple files are used to convey policies, control ownership, evidence, ownership and auditing communication.
Alternatives to enterprise-grade platforms do not necessarily need to be costly. CertAssist shows the SOC 2 controls in a central board, includes editable templates to govern policies and evidence, along with progress tracking, and auditors have the ability to only see. Multi-factor authentication is essential for security purposes to ensure the system is secure. The initial price for launch of $225 is then followed by regular pricing of $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.
In addition, no integration could mean Less Exposure
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to the company’s operational systems. Evidence is provided without giving the compliance platform standing access to cloud and identity environments.
The trade-off is that this option requires a compromise. The company must prove which could have been captured from the automated system. The manual effort is acceptable for a small group in exchange for more simple setup, lower cost and less ties with third parties.
If Complexity is the answer to a problem, purchase It
Growing companies may get to a point at which the manual method of gathering evidence will become inefficient. Monitoring continuously and extensive integrations will pay their fees.
The goal of the compliance stack isn’t to be the most technological one available. The objective is to manage compliance, maintain credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. A well-designed software system should make this process easier. The implementation of the compliance platform could feel more like a project rather than the preparation of the SOC 2 itself. It could be that the company is not using more tools.