A compliance software should simplify auditing. Small companies are often in a difficult spot. Before they can put in their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure, and learn the complexities of a compliance platform. This raises an interesting question. When does the device designed to cut down on compliance work become another project of its own?
CertAssist is the result of this discontent. CertAssist’s creators were familiar with compliance audits, as well as implementations under the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They encountered numerous platforms with features and integrations while firms used spreadsheets for crucial elements of preparation for audits. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start with the task you need to complete
If you remove the terms used in software it is much easier to understand. The business must follow the Trust Services Criteria and establish suitable controls. They must also create the policy, collect evidence, monitor their progress, as well as provide this information to independent auditors. Platforms can manage these functions without having to be connected with all cloud services or identity systems that companies utilize.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. A large company that gathers evidence across a constantly changing environment can save time through automation. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same technology will be required to be used for SOC 2 by startups. A startup that has a small technology environment might prefer to provide evidence manually and avoid the need to maintain numerous integrations.
The cost of the audit as well as the cost of the software are two distinct costs.
It can be confusing to budget when businesses treat every compliance expense as one number. SOC 2 includes more than only software. Internal staff spend time developing policies, fixing weaknesses in control, organizing evidence and collaborating together with the auditor. The independent audit has its own fees as well.
When looking into SOC 2 cost, businesses should be aware important distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is completely independent and not a certificate as defined by ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently employed by businesses looking for price information, is still popular. Software does not replace the independent auditor regardless of the language used in the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets may be familiar and cheap, but they may be uncomfortable if multiple spreadsheets are used to communicate policies, control the ownership of evidence, prove ownership, and audit communication.
It isn’t necessary to use an enterprise platform to serve as a alternative. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board that can be edited templates for policies and evidence including progress management and read-only auditor access. Access to the platform is secured with the requirement of multi-factor authentication. The initial price for the platform is $225 monthly. The normal price is $375 per month, or $3999 per year.
The same kind of integration that decreases exposure can also be achieved without the need to it.
CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to an organization’s operational systems. The compliance platform is not given access to the cloud or the identity environment.
The downside is that this approach requires an agreement. The company must provide evidence which could have been captured through the automated system. If the team is small however, the extra manual work may be reasonable in exchange for a simpler setup, lower software expense and less connections to third party sources.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Resolves a Problem
Growing companies may reach a point at which the manual process of gathering evidence becomes inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will be beneficial when you get to that point.
Until then, the goal isn’t to buy the most advanced compliance software available. The aim is to arrange compliance, keep credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. The right software will reduce friction in this process. If the application of the compliance platform is a feeling that it’s taking more time than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be overkill.