Software designed to facilitate audits is known as compliance software. Small businesses are usually stuck in an awkward situation. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and master the complexities of a compliance system. This raises an interesting question. What is the point at which the device designed to cut down on compliance work turn into a project that is its own?
CertAssist was born out of that frustration. The creators of CertAssist had experience with compliance audits and implementations in ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They frequently encountered platforms brimming with features and integrations. Moreover, companies used spreadsheets for essential elements of audit preparation. For smaller companies, a simpler SOC 2 compliance software can at times be the most practical solution.
Begin with the Task that Should Be Done
Strip away the software terminology and the essential requirement is simpler to comprehend. It is vital that a company be aware of the Trust Services Criteria. This includes setting the right controls, gathering evidence, tracking developments and documenting the policies. A platform can help organize these tasks without having to connect to every cloud service or identity system that the firm uses.
Integrations that are automated have a lot of value. Automating the collection of evidence for large companies in a world that changes constantly can reduce time. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups with a small technology environment might prefer to provide evidence manually and avoid the hassle of maintaining multiple integrations.
The cost of auditing and that of the software are two distinct costs.
When companies consider all compliance costs in one number, budgeting may become unclear. The SOC 2 cost includes more than just software. Internal employees are involved in making policies, addressing control gaps, organizing evidence, and collaborating together with the auditor. Independent audits also have its own cost.
Companies looking into SOC 2 certification cost should be aware of a difference in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report, not an official certification in the same way as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently employed by companies when looking for pricing data, is frequently used. Software cannot replace the independent auditor regardless of the terminology used in the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are simple and easy to use But they aren’t as easy when controls, policies, ownership, evidence, and audit communication begin spreading across multiple documents.
It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform for substitute. CertAssist shows the SOC 2 controls in an integrated board. It also allows you to edit templates for policy and evidence, and progress tracking, and auditors have the ability to only read. Multi-factor authentication is needed to protect the platform. The cost of the platform’s launch is $225 monthly. The normal price is $375 per month, or $3999 per year.
The absence of integration also means A Less Exposed
CertAssist deliberately does not connect to the operational systems of a business. The evidence provided is not given without giving the compliance platform standing access to cloud or identity environments.
This method has its tradeoffs. The company must provide evidence that could have been obtained through the automated system. In the case of a small group However, the added manual work could be justified as a way to get a more simple setting up, lower costs for software as well as fewer connections with third parties.
If Complexity is the answer to a problem, purchase It
In an organization that is growing it is possible that manual evidence collection will end up being inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations can earn their costs.
It’s not required to purchase the most complex compliance stack until then. The goal is to organize the compliance process, collect evidence and manage independent audits. A well-designed software system should simplify the process. If implementing the compliance platform is beginning to appear like a more complex task than preparing for SOC 2 itself, it could be a tool than what the business currently needs.