Software that facilitates audits is called compliance software. Smaller businesses often find themselves in a difficult spot. Before they can implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, set up and understand an extensive compliance system. This raises an interesting question. When does the tool designed to improve compliance, become a separate program?

CertAssist developed out of this frustration. Its founders had worked on compliance and audits that were based on SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. They discovered platforms that had many options and integrations, however businesses used spreadsheets for the main components of preparation for audits. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.

Start with the Tasks That Must Be Completed

Remove the software jargon and it’s easier to understand. A business must go through the relevant Trust Services Criteria, establish the appropriate controls, establish guidelines, document evidence, keep track of progress and make that material available for audits by an independent auditor. Platforms can be used to streamline these activities without having to link them with each cloud service and identity system used by the company.

Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. A large company that gathers evidence in a constantly evolving environment can significantly cut down on time by automating. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same architecture necessary to be used for SOC 2 for startups. A startup that has a small technology environment might prefer to provide evidence manually and avoid the need to maintain numerous integrations.

The cost of the audit and software are two distinct expenses

It can be confusing to budget when businesses consider every compliance expense as one number. SOC 2 costs include more than software. Internal staff members must devote time preparing policies, addressing weaknesses in control, arranging proof as well as cooperating with auditors. The independent audit comes with its own cost as well.

Companies who are researching SOC 2 Certification Costs must also be aware of the terminology distinction: SOC 2 is not a certificate in the sense of ISO 27001. Instead, it produces an independent attestation rather than an official certification. Nevertheless, “certification cost” is commonly used when businesses search for pricing data. Whatever the terminology used in the budget, software doesn’t take the place of an independent auditor.

The Middle Ground Doesn’t have to be an Excel Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and familiar, but they can become a hassle when they are spread over several files.

It is not necessary to utilize an enterprise platform as a alternative. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 control and offers editable policies and templates for proving. It also allows auditors with progress management as well as read-only access. Access to the platform is secured with the requirement of multi-factor authentication. The stated launch price of $225 is and will be followed by a regular price of $375 per month or $3,999 per year.

The same kind of integration that decreases exposure is also possible by eliminating the need for it

CertAssist deliberately does not connect to the operational systems of an organization. Evidence is presented without granting the platform with access to cloud environments or identity environments.

This method involves a tradeoff. Information that could have been obtained automatically has to be provided by the business. The additional manual work is acceptable for a small team, but it will result in a more simple setup, lower cost and fewer connections with third parties.

Purchase Complexity When Complexity Solves the issue

Growing companies may reach a point where the manual process of collecting evidence will become inefficient. Monitoring and monitoring continuously and integration is justified by the higher effectiveness.

Until then, the goal isn’t buying the most sophisticated compliance stack available. It’s important to make sure that the evidence is reliable and organize the compliance process, and manage the audit independently. Good software should remove friction from this process. Implementing a compliance platform can be more of a challenge than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that the company is not using more tools.