A compliance software will simplify auditing. But small-sized companies may be in a difficult situation. Before they can arrange their SOC 2 controls, they must first implement the system, set up, and then learn the intricate compliance platform. This brings up a fascinating question. When does the tool that was designed to ease compliance tasks become a new project that is its own?
CertAssist was born out of that frustration. The founders of the company focused on compliance implementations, audits as well as ISO 27001 frameworks. They came across platforms that offered a variety of features and integrations, but companies used spreadsheets to handle the most crucial components of preparation for audits. More simple SOC 2 compliance software is often the most effective solution for smaller organizations.
Start with the task that needs to be done
Strip away the software terminology and the essential requirement is more understandable. It is crucial that businesses understand the Trust Services Criteria. This includes setting the right controls, gathering evidence, keeping track of the progress of the process and establishing the policies. Platforms can be used to streamline these tasks without having to link them with each cloud service or identity system that the company uses.
Automated integrations can be extremely valuable. Automated integrations can save an business a lot of time while collecting evidence in an ever-changing environment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the same technology will be needed to be used for SOC 2 by startups. Startups that have a small technology infrastructure might prefer to take evidence in a manual manner instead of maintaining numerous integrations.
The Audit and Software are Different Expenses
The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses take each compliance expense as a separate number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff members must devote time creating policies, addressing weaknesses in management, arranging the evidence and working with auditors. The independent audit also has its own cost.
When looking into SOC 2 cost, businesses should be aware of a crucial distinction in terms. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent and not a formal certification as defined by ISO 27001. When businesses are looking for pricing, they usually refer to the cost as “certification cost”. Software cannot substitute for the independent auditor regardless of the terms employed in the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to Be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to access They are easy to use, but they can become a little awkward when policies, controls, evidence, ownership and audit communication begin spreading across several files.
The alternative doesn’t need to be a enterprise-level platform. CertAssist displays the SOC 2 controls on the central board. It allows you to edit templates for policy and evidence, and progress tracking, and auditors have the ability to only see. Access to the platform is secured with the requirement of multi-factor authentication. The cost of the platform’s launch is $225 per month. The regular price is $375 per month or $3999 per year.
In addition, no integration may mean less exposure
CertAssist does not purposely connect to the operating systems of a company. The platform for compliance isn’t granted access to the cloud or the identity system.
This option is not without its trade-offs. The business must present evidence that could have been gathered by an automated system. In the case of a small group however, the manual work may be reasonable in exchange for simpler set-up, lower cost of software and less connections to third party sources.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Solves the issue
An expanding company may reach the point where manual evidence gathering becomes inefficient. Continuous monitoring and massive integrations will pay off at the point you are.
Until then, the goal isn’t necessarily to buy the most advanced compliance system available. It is important to keep the evidence credible and to organize compliance work, and manage the audit independently. A good software program should reduce friction in this process. If the installation of the compliance platform is a feeling that it is taking longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, then the tool may be too expensive.