Software that helps audits is known as compliance software. However, small companies can be placed in a tricky position. They have to implement or configure a compliance platform prior to organising their SOC 2 control. This poses a question. What is the point at which a tool that can reduce compliance work turn into a new project?

CertAssist was created out of this discontent. Its developers had worked on compliance implementations and audits across SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. They encountered numerous platforms with integrations and features while businesses still rely on spreadsheets for important pieces of the actual preparation for audits. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.

Start with the task you need to complete

If you eliminate the software terminology, it becomes much easier to comprehend. The company must work through Trust Services Criteria and establish the appropriate control measures. They should also record policies, gather evidence, track their progress, and provide this information to independent auditors. Platforms are a great way to manage these tasks without having to link them with each cloud service and identity system the company has in place.

Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. Automating can save a large organization lots of time when collecting evidence in an ever-changing environment. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same system mandatory for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup operates in only a tiny technology infrastructure, it may be preferable to provide the evidence manually and to avoid the need for many integrations.

Software and Audits Are different expenses

Budgeting becomes difficult when companies take each compliance expense as separate numbers. SOC 2 costs include more than software. Internal staff members must devote time creating policies, addressing weaknesses in control, arranging proof and working with auditors. The audit independent also has its own fees.

Businesses looking for information on SOC 2 certification costs should be aware of a distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report instead of a certification in the exact meaning as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently utilized by businesses searching for price data, is frequently used. Whatever language is used in the budget, software doesn’t take the place of an independent auditor.

The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be A Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and comfortable, but they are cumbersome when they are spread across several files.

It is not necessary to use an enterprise platform to serve as a substitute. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board, and offers editable templates for policies and evidence including progress management and read-only auditor access. Multi-factor authentication is essential to protect the platform. The initial price for launch of $225 will be to be followed by regular pricing at $375 per month or $3,999 per year.

No Integration Can Also Mean less exposure

CertAssist does not purposely connect to the operating systems of a company. Evidence is presented but does not grant the compliance platform access to cloud environments or the identity environment.

This option is not without its trade-offs. The business must present evidence which could have been captured by an automated system. The additional manual work required is reasonable for a small group in exchange for more simple setup, lower cost and less ties with third party.

Complexity Purchase when it Solves a Problem

A company that is growing may come to a point that manual evidence collection becomes inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will be beneficial once you have reached that point.

The goal of a compliance stack isn’t to be the most sophisticated one on the market. The goal is to streamline compliance, maintain credible evidence and ensure that independent audits are managed. Software that is designed well can make this process much easier. If the application of the compliance platform feels like it is taking longer than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, it could not be enough.