A compliance software will help auditing become easier. However, small businesses may be put in a difficult position. They need to set up an, configure and maintain a compliance system prior to organising their SOC 2 control. It raises a good question. When does the device designed to cut down on compliance become a separate project that is its own?
CertAssist was a result of frustration. CertAssist’s creators had worked on compliance audits, as well as implementations under the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They encountered numerous platforms with features and integrations while organizations used spreadsheets for essential elements of auditing process. SOC 2 software that is simple is more appropriate for smaller businesses.
Begin by identifying the task that Must Be Completed
Take out the jargon in software and it becomes easier to understand. An organization must work through the pertinent Trust Services Criteria, establish appropriate controls, document guidelines, document evidence, keep track of progress and make that material available to audit by an independent third party. Platforms are a great way to manage these activities without having to connect them to each cloud service and identity software that the company utilizes.
Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. Automating the collection of evidence for large corporations in a world which is always changing can make it easier to save time. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same architecture will be needed for SOC 2 by startups. Startups that have a small technology infrastructure might prefer to collect evidence manually instead of maintaining a multitude of integrations.
The Software and the Audit are different expenses
Budgeting becomes a mess when companies make every compliance expense one number. SOC 2 includes more than just software. Internal employees are involved in preparing policies, addressing problems with control, organizing evidence and collaborating with the auditor. Independent audits also have their own set of fees.
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. However, “certification cost” is frequently used by companies searching for pricing data. Whatever the terminology used in a budget, software is not a substitute for an independent audit.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are inexpensive and familiar, but they become awkward when the policies, controls, evidence, ownership, and audit communication begin spreading across many documents.
Alternatives to enterprise-grade platforms do not necessarily have to be expensive. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 controls and lets you edit policies and templates for evidence. It also gives auditing and progress management, as well as auditors with read-only access. Access to the platform is protected by the requirement of multi-factor authentication. The stated launch price of $225 is then followed by regular pricing of $375 per month or $3,999 per year.
A lack of integration could also mean less exposure
CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to the company’s operational systems. Evidence is presented without granting the compliance platform access to cloud environments as well as identity environments.
This option is not without its trade-offs. Evidence that could have been taken automatically should instead be provided by the business. The extra manual work is reasonable for a tiny team in exchange for a simpler setup, lower costs and fewer connections with third party.
If Complexity is the answer to a problem, purchase It
A growing company may eventually come to a point that the manual method of gathering evidence is no longer efficient. The cost of continuous monitoring and integration can be justified by the higher effectiveness.
Until then, the goal isn’t necessarily to buy the most advanced compliance system available. It’s essential to make sure that the evidence is reliable and organize the compliance process, and manage the independent audit. A good software program should eliminate friction out of the process. Implementing the compliance platform may seem more like a task as opposed to preparing the SOC 2 itself. It may be because the business does not require as many tools.