Software developed to aid in audits is referred to as compliance software. However, smaller companies could be put in a tricky situation. Before they can manage their SOC 2 controls, they must first implement an SOC 2 system, then configure and master an extensive compliance system. This raises an interesting question. What happens when a tool designed to decrease compliance work transform into an entirely new project?
CertAssist was born out of that frustration. The CertAssist founders had previous experience in compliance audits, as well as implementations under the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They encountered numerous platforms with features and integrations while businesses still relied on spreadsheets for crucial elements of auditing process. SOC 2 software that is simple is more appropriate for smaller firms.
Begin with the Task that Has to be Done
Eliminate the terminology used by software and the core requirement becomes more understandable. A business must go through the pertinent Trust Services Criteria, establish adequate controls, write down policies, record evidence, monitor progress, and make that material available to audit by an independent third party. A platform can organize those processes without having to be connected to every cloud service or identity system the business uses.
Integrations that are automated can be extremely useful. Automated integrations can save an company a lot of time when it comes to collecting evidence in an ever-changing environment. However, that doesn’t make the same structure mandatory to be used for SOC 2 for startups. A startup with a relatively small technology environment might prefer to provide evidence manually and not maintain a multitude of integrations.
The Audit and the Software Are Two Different Costs
The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses make each compliance expense separate numbers. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff members are required to devote time to the following: preparing guidelines and addressing any gaps in control. They also organize evidence. The independent audit has its own cost as well.
When researching SOC 2 cost, businesses should be aware fundamental distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is independent and not a certificate as defined by ISO 27001. When companies seek prices, they typically utilize the term “certification costs”. Whatever term is used in a budget, the software is not a substitute for an independent audit.
Middle Ground isn’t required to be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets are cheap and easy to use, but they become awkward when policies, controls, ownership, evidence, and audit communication begin spreading across multiple files.
Alternatives to enterprise platforms do not necessarily need to cost a lot. CertAssist shows the SOC 2 controls in a central board, includes editable templates to govern policies and evidence, as well as progress monitoring, and auditors are able to only read. Access to the platform is protected by the requirement for multi-factor authentication. The initial price for launch 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 intentionally does not connect to the systems that run an organization. The evidence provided is not given without giving the compliance platform a permanent access to identity and cloud environments.
This option is not without its tradeoffs. It is the responsibility of the company to provide evidence that could have otherwise been collected automatically. In the case of small teams, the extra effort might be justified with a simpler set-up, lower software costs, and with fewer external connections.
If Complexity Solves a Problem, Buy It
An expanding company could eventually get to a point at which the manual method of gathering evidence will become inefficient. The expense of continuous monitoring and integration is justified by the improved efficiency.
In the meantime, the objective isn’t necessarily to buy the most advanced compliance system available. It’s about getting the compliance process well-organized, provide credible evidence, and ensure that the independent audit is manageable. A good software program should make this process easier. Implementing a compliance platform can be more of a challenge rather than preparing the SOC 2 itself. It may be because the business is not using the same tools.
