Software that helps audits is referred to as compliance software. But small-sized companies may be in a difficult situation. Before they can manage their SOC 2 controls, they must first implement the system, set up, and then learn an elaborate compliance system. It’s a great question. At what point does the device designed to cut down on compliance work turn into a project that is its own?
CertAssist is the product of this frustration. The team behind it had been involved in compliance and audits that were based on SOC 2, ISO 27001 as well as other frameworks. The developers of this software had to contend with platforms that offered a wide range of features and connections, while the organizations they worked for employed spreadsheets for the preparation of critical auditing pieces. SOC 2 software that is simple can be better for smaller firms.
Start by identifying the task that needs to be done
Get rid of the software jargon, and it’s much simpler to comprehend. The business must follow the Trust Services Criteria and establish appropriate control measures. They must also write down policies, collect evidence, monitor their progress, and make this material available to independent auditors. Platforms are able to handle these processes without having to be connected to all cloud services or identity systems companies utilize.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. Automating can save a large organization a lot of time when collecting evidence in a changing environment. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same structure essential to be used for SOC 2 for startups. Startups operating in a smaller technology environment might prefer to take evidence in a manual manner, rather than maintain numerous integrations.
The cost of an audit and the software are two distinct expenses
When companies treat all compliance expenses as a single number, budgeting can be difficult. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff spend time preparing policies, addressing control gaps, organizing evidence and collaborating together with the auditor. The independent audit also comes with its own fees.
When researching SOC 2 cost, companies should be aware of a key terminology distinction. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent, and not a certification as defined by ISO 27001. However the phrase “certification cost” is commonly utilized by businesses searching for pricing information, is nevertheless commonly used. Software does not replace an independent auditor, irrespective of the terminology employed in the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be an Excel Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are often familiar and affordable, however they can become a source of discomfort when multiple files are utilized to share policies, controls evidence, ownership, and audit communications.
The alternative does not have to be a platform for enterprise. CertAssist displays the SOC 2 controls in the central board. It allows you to edit templates for policy and evidence, and progress tracking, and auditors have the ability to only read. Multi-factor authentication is required for security purposes to ensure the system is secure. The platform’s launch price is $225 per month. The normal price is $375 per month, or $3999 per year.
The same kind of integration that decreases exposure could also be achieved by removing the need for it.
CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to the company’s operational systems. Evidence is presented but does not grant the compliance platform access to cloud environments as well as identities environments.
The disadvantage is that this method requires the use of compromise. The evidence that could have been taken automatically should instead be supplied by the company. The additional manual work is reasonable for a tiny group in exchange for simplified setup, a lower cost and less ties with third party.
Buy Complexity when it solves a problem
A growing company may eventually reach a point where manually capturing evidence is no longer efficient. The expense of continuous monitoring and integration is justified by the improved effectiveness.
It’s not necessary to buy the most complex compliance stack until then. It’s essential to maintain the credibility of the evidence as well as organize the compliance tasks and handle the audit independently. A well-designed software system should make this process easier. If implementing the compliance platform starts to feel like a much larger project than the process of preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may be simply a more powerful tool than what the business currently requires.
