Software designed to facilitate audits is called compliance software. Yet small companies can find themselves in a strange position: before they can arrange their SOC 2 controls, they first have to implement, configure, and learn the intricacy of a compliance system. This brings up a fascinating question. What is the point at which the device designed to cut down on compliance work become another initiative of its own?

CertAssist grew out of that frustration. CertAssist’s creators were familiar with compliance audits as well as implementations within the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations, while businesses were still using spreadsheets to manage essential elements of auditing process. SOC 2 software that is simple can be better for smaller enterprises.

Start by identifying the tasks that Have to be completed

Get rid of the software jargon, and it is simpler to comprehend. It is crucial that a company know the Trust Services Criteria. This involves setting up appropriate controls, collecting evidence, evaluating the progress of the process and establishing the policies. Platforms can handle these processes without having to be connected to all cloud services or identity systems that companies use.

Automated integrations certainly have value. Automating the gathering of evidence by large corporations in a world which is always changing can reduce time. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups that have a limited technology environment might choose to present evidence in person and avoid maintaining numerous integrations.

Software and Audits Are different expenses

It can be confusing to budget when businesses consider every compliance expense as one number. SOC 2 costs include more than just software. The internal staff has to devote time to things like preparing policies and addressing gaps in control. They also manage evidence. The independent audit has its own fees as well.

In researching SOC 2 costs, businesses should be aware of a fundamental distinction in terminology. SOC 2 produces a report that is completely independent and is not a certification as specified by ISO 27001. However the phrase “certification cost” is commonly employed by businesses looking for pricing information, is nevertheless widely used. Software does not replace an independent auditor, irrespective of the terms employed in the budget.

Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be A Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to use, but they become cumbersome when spread across multiple files.

Alternatives to enterprise platforms do not necessarily have to be expensive. CertAssist places the SOC 2 controls on a central board and provides editable policy and evidence templates, progress management, and read-only auditor access. The mandatory multi-factor authentication safeguards access to the system. Its stated launch price is $225 per month, with a regular cost of $375 per month or $3,999 annually.

The same kind of integration that decreases exposure can be accomplished by removing the need for it.

CertAssist deliberately does not connect to the systems that run a business. The compliance platform isn’t given access to the cloud or identity environment.

This option is not without its drawbacks. The evidence that could have been captured automatically should be provided by the business. The additional manual work is reasonable for a tiny group in exchange for easier setup, less expense and fewer relationships with third parties.

If Complexity Solves a Problem, Buy It

If a company is growing, manual evidence collection may end up being inefficient. Monitoring continuously and extensive integrations will pay their fees.

The purpose of the compliance stack isn’t to be the most advanced one that is available. It’s important to make sure that the evidence is reliable and to organize compliance work and oversee the independent audit. A well-designed software should make this process easier. If implementing the compliance platform begins to appear like a more complex project than the process of preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may simply be more tool than the company currently requires.