Software that facilitates audits is called compliance software. However, small businesses may be put in a tricky situation: before they are able to arrange their SOC 2 controls, they need to first install an SOC 2 system, then configure and master the intricacy of a compliance system. This raises an interesting question. When did the device intended to decrease compliance become a separate project?
CertAssist is the result of this discontent. Its creators had worked on compliance-related implementations and audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. The developers of this software were repeatedly confronted with platforms that offered a wide range of features and connections, while their employers employed spreadsheets for the preparation of crucial audit documents. SOC 2 software that is simple can be better for smaller firms.
Begin by identifying the job that has to be accomplished
Remove the software jargon and it is more understandable. It is essential that a company be aware of the Trust Services Criteria. This includes establishing the right controls, gathering evidence, tracking the progress of the process and establishing the policies. Platforms can be used to organize these activities without having to connect them with every cloud service or identity software that the company utilizes.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. A large organization collecting evidence across a constantly changing environment can significantly cut down on time via automation. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups with a limited technology environment might choose to provide evidence manually and avoid the need to maintain numerous integrations.
The cost of auditing and that of the software are two separate expenses
The process of budgeting can become confusing when companies take every compliance expense as one number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than just software. Internal staff members must devote time on preparing policies, addressing any gaps in control, arranging evidence as well as cooperating with auditors. The independent audit also comes with its own fee.
Companies looking into SOC 2 certification costs should also be aware of the distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report, not a certification in the same meaning as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is commonly utilized by businesses searching for pricing information, is nevertheless popular. Whatever terminology appears in the budget, software doesn’t substitute for the independent auditor.
Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and familiar, but they can become a hassle when spread across many files.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise-level platform as a substitute. CertAssist places the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board and provides editable template templates for policy and evidence along with progress management, as well as auditor access with read-only. Mandatory multi-factor authentication helps protect access to the system. The price of its launch is $225 monthly, and the regular price is $375 monthly or $3,999 annually.
The same kind of integration that decreases exposure can be accomplished without the need to it
CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to a company’s operational systems. Evidence is presented but does not grant the compliance platform access to cloud environments as well as identities environments.
This strategy is not without its trade-offs. It is the responsibility of the company to provide the evidence that could have been collected automatically. For smaller teams, the extra work might be justified with a simple set-up, lower software costs, and less external connections.
If Complexity Solves a Problem, Purchase It
In a business that is expanding that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could turn into inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will be beneficial when you reach that point.
For now, the aim isn’t to buy the most advanced compliance software available. It’s about getting the compliance work done, preserve credible evidence, and allow for an independent audit to be managed. A good software program should help in reducing the friction. If the implementation of the compliance platform feels like it is taking longer than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be too much.