A compliance software will simplify auditing. Small businesses are usually stuck in an awkward situation. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and master an intricate platform for compliance. That raises a useful question. What is the point at which the device designed to cut down on compliance work become another initiative of its own?

CertAssist is the result of this frustration. CertAssist’s founders had previous experience in compliance audits and implementations in ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations. Moreover, firms still relied 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.

Begin by listing the Tasks That Are Required to be Completed

Eliminate the terminology used by software and the core requirement becomes simpler to comprehend. It is important for a company to be aware of the Trust Services Criteria. This includes establishing adequate controls, gathering evidence, evaluating progress and documenting policies. A platform is able to manage those processes without having to be connected to every cloud service or identity system that the company uses.

Integrations that are automated can be very valuable. Automation can save a large organization lots of time when collecting evidence in a constantly changing environment. This doesn’t mean that the same structure is required to be used for SOC 2 in startups. If a startup operates in limited technology resources it could be best to provide the evidence manually and not have a lot of integrations.

The Audit and the Software Are Different Expenses

It can be confusing to budget when businesses treat every compliance expense as one number. SOC 2 includes more than simply software. Internal staff members are required to devote time to things like preparing guidelines and addressing any gaps in control. They also arrange evidence. The audit independent also has its own cost.

Companies who are researching SOC 2 certification cost should be aware of a distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the exact terms as ISO 27001. When companies are searching for pricing, they usually use the term “certification costs”. Software does not replace an independent auditor, regardless of the language employed within the budget.

Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be a Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to access However, they can be a bit awkward when guidelines, controls evidence, ownership and audit communications begin to spread across many files.

It isn’t necessary to use an enterprise platform to serve as a alternative. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board that can be edited policy and evidence templates along with progress management, as well as auditing access that is read-only. Multi-factor authentication is essential to secure the platform. The cost of the platform’s launch is $225 monthly. The regular price is $375 per month, or $3999 annually.

The absence of integration also means Less Exposure

CertAssist does not intend to connect to the operating systems of a company. The platform for compliance isn’t allowed access to cloud or the identity system.

The disadvantage is that this strategy requires an agreement. Information that could have been collected automatically must instead be provided by the business. The extra manual work is reasonable for a small team in exchange for a simplified setup, a lower cost and fewer relationships with third party.

Purchase Complexity when Complexity Solves the issue

A growing organization may eventually get to the point that manual evidence gathering is no longer efficient. Continuous monitoring and large-scale integrations will pay off when you get to that point.

For now, the aim isn’t necessarily to buy the most sophisticated compliance system available. It’s about getting the compliance process well-organized, provide credible evidence, and ensure that the independent audit is manageable. A quality software application should reduce friction in this process. The implementation of the compliance platform could seem more like a task rather than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It may be because the business does not require the same tools.