Software that facilitates audits is called compliance software. Smaller companies often find themselves in an awkward position. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and master the complexities of a software for compliance. This raises an interesting question. What is the point at which a tool that can reduce compliance work turn into the creation of a new project?

CertAssist developed out of this frustration. Its creators focused on compliance implementations, audits and ISO 27001 frameworks. They had to deal with platforms that were packed with integrations and features while organizations were still using spreadsheets to manage crucial aspects of audit preparation. For smaller enterprises, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can often be the better answer.

Begin by identifying the task that Must Be Completed

Get rid of the software jargon, and it is simpler to comprehend. A business must go through the pertinent Trust Services Criteria, establish adequate controls, write down policies, gather evidence, keep track of progress and then make that information available for audits conducted by an independent entity. Platforms can handle these processes without having to be connected with all cloud services or identity systems that the company uses.

Integrations that are automated can be extremely useful. Automating can save a large organization lots of time in collecting evidence in a changing environment. This doesn’t necessarily mean that the same technology will be needed to be used for SOC 2 by startups. If a startup has only a tiny technology infrastructure, it may be preferable to manually provide evidence and not have a lot of integrations.

The cost of auditing and the software are two different expenses

Budgeting becomes confusing when companies consider every compliance expense as one number. SOC 2 includes more than just software. The internal staff has to devote time creating policies, addressing gaps in control, arranging evidence and working with auditors. The independent audit comes with its own cost as well.

Companies researching SOC 2 certification cost should also understand a terminology distinction: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the same sense as ISO 27001. When companies are searching for pricing, they frequently employ the term “certification cost”. Whatever language is used in the budget, software can’t take the place of an independent auditor.

The Middle Ground isn’t required to be A Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets are often familiar and cost-effective, but they can become uncomfortable when multiple files are utilized to convey policies, control evidence, ownership, and audit communication.

Alternatives to enterprise platforms don’t necessarily need to be costly. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board, which includes editable templates for policy and evidence including progress management and read-only auditor access. The mandatory multi-factor authentication safeguards access to the platform. The cost of the platform’s launch is $225 a month. Regular pricing is $375 per month, or $3999 annually.

The same process that can reduce exposure can be accomplished by eliminating the need for it

CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to any company’s operational systems. Evidence is presented, but without granting the platform with access to cloud environments and identity environments.

This method has its tradeoffs. Evidence that could have been taken automatically should instead be supplied by the company. If the team is small However, the added manual labor may be acceptable in exchange for a simpler setup, lower software expense and less connections to third party sources.

Purchase Complexity when it solves the issue

A growing company could eventually arrive at a point where the manual process of gathering evidence is no longer efficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will be beneficial when you get to that point.

For now, the aim isn’t to buy the most advanced compliance stack available. It’s important to make sure that the evidence is reliable as well as organize the compliance tasks and handle the independent audit. Software that is designed well can make this process much easier. If the implementation of the compliance platform begins to appear like a more complex project than the process of preparing for SOC 2 itself, it might be just a different tools than the company requires.