A compliance software will simplify auditing. But small businesses can be put in a difficult position. They must implement, configure and master a compliance platform before they can organize their SOC 2 control. This poses a question. What is the point at which the instrument designed to decrease compliance work become another initiative of its own?
CertAssist was a result of frustration. 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 companies still rely on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of auditing process. SOC 2 software that is simpler can be more suitable for smaller enterprises.
Start by identifying the task that needs to be done
If you remove the software terminology it will be much easier to comprehend. It is essential that businesses understand the Trust Services Criteria. This involves establishing appropriate controls, collecting evidence, tracking developments and documenting the policies. Platforms can manage these processes without having to be connected to each cloud-based service or identity system the company uses.
Automated integrations definitely have value. A large organization collecting data across a constantly changing environment may save significant time via automation. This doesn’t mean that the same structure required to be used for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup is operating in an insufficient technology environment, it may be preferable to make the necessary evidence available manually and not have a lot of integrations.
Software and the Audit Are different expenses
Budgeting becomes difficult when companies treat each compliance expense as an individual number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff are required to dedicate time to the following: preparing policies and fixing control gaps. They also organize evidence. The independent audit comes with its own fee as well.
Companies looking into SOC 2 certification costs should be aware of a distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the same sense as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. If businesses are seeking pricing, they frequently utilize the term “certification costs”. Whatever the terminology used in a budget, the software does not replace the independent audit.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be cheap and comfortable, but they are cumbersome when they are spread across several files.
Alternatives to enterprise platforms do not necessarily need to cost a lot. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board that can be edited templates for policies and evidence as well as progress management and auditing access that is read-only. Mandatory multi-factor authentication helps protect access to the platform. The launch price stated at $225 will be followed by regular pricing at $375 per month or $3,999 per year.
In addition, no integration could mean More Exposure
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to the systems that run the company. The compliance platform has not been allowed access to cloud or the identity environment.
This method has its tradeoffs. The business must present evidence that could have been gathered by an automated system. The extra manual work is reasonable for a small team in exchange for a easier setup, less expense and less connections to third parties.
Purchase Complexity When Complexity Resolves the issue
Growing companies may reach the point where manual evidence gathering becomes inefficient. Monitoring continuously and extensive integrations may pay their fees.
It’s not required to purchase the most complicated compliance stack until later. The goal is to organize compliance, maintain credible evidence and make independent audits manageable. A well-designed software system should simplify the process. Implementing the compliance platform may seem more like a task rather than the preparation of the SOC 2 itself. It could be that the company doesn’t require as many tools.