A compliance software will simplify auditing. However, small-sized businesses are put in a precarious position. They must implement or configure a compliance platform before they can organize their SOC 2 control. It’s a great question. When does the tool that was designed to ease compliance work turn into a project on its own?
CertAssist was born out of that frustration. The team behind it had been involved in compliance implementations and audits across SOC 2, ISO 27001 as well as other frameworks. They discovered platforms that had many functions and integrations, yet businesses were still using spreadsheets for the most important elements of preparation for audits. SOC 2 software that is less complicated may be better suited for smaller businesses.
Begin with the Task that Should Be Done
Remove the software jargon and it is simpler to comprehend. It is important that businesses be aware of the Trust Services Criteria. This involves establishing adequate controls, gathering evidence, evaluating developments and documenting the policies. Platforms are able to manage these activities without needing to be connected to all cloud services or identity systems companies use.
Integrations that are automated can be extremely valuable. A large company that gathers evidence in a constantly evolving environment can significantly cut down on time through automation. However, it doesn’t mean the same system is required for SOC 2 by startups. If a startup has an insufficient technology environment it could be best to create evidence by hand and not have a lot of integrations.
The cost for the audit and that of the software are two distinct expenses
It is difficult to budget when companies take each compliance expense as distinct numbers. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff are required to work on making policies and addressing control gaps. They also organize evidence. The audit independent also has its own cost.
When looking into SOC 2 costs, businesses must be aware of a fundamental distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is not a certification and is not a certification as specified by ISO 27001. When companies seek prices, they typically utilize the term “certification cost”. Whatever language is used in the budget, software doesn’t replace the independent auditor.
Middle Ground isn’t required to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are cheap and easy to use However, they can be a bit awkward when controls, policies, ownership evidence, and auditing communications start to be spread across several files.
The alternative does not have to be a platform for enterprise. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 control and provides editable policies as well as templates for evidence. It also provides auditors with progress management as well as access to read-only. Multi-factor authentication is essential to safeguard the platform. Its advertised launch price is $225 per month with a regular cost of $375 monthly or $3,999 annually.
No integration can also mean less exposure
CertAssist is not apposed to connecting with the company’s operating systems. The evidence is presented without giving the compliance platform access to cloud environments and identities environments.
This method has its pitfalls. Evidence that could have been collected automatically must instead be provided by the company. However, for small teams, the extra effort can be justified for a less complicated setup and lower costs for software and less external connections.
Purchase Complexity when Complexity Solves a Problem
In an organization that is growing it is possible that manual evidence collection will become inefficient. Continuous monitoring and large-scale integrations will pay off once you have reached that point.
The goal until then isn’t buying the most sophisticated compliance software available. It’s to get the compliance task done, preserve credible evidence, and ensure that the independent audit is manageable. Good software should remove the friction from the process. If the application of the compliance platform is a feeling that it takes longer than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be too much.
