Software that helps audits is known as compliance software. Smaller businesses often find themselves in an awkward position. Before they can begin implementing their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and learn the complexities of a compliance platform. This raises an interesting question. What are the conditions that make a tool to decrease compliance work transform into the creation of a new project?

CertAssist was a result of this frustration. Its developers had worked on compliance audits and implementations in SOC 2, ISO 27001 and other frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with integrations and features while businesses still rely on spreadsheets for crucial elements of preparation for audits. For smaller enterprises, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can at times be the most practical answer.

Start by identifying the task that needs to be done

Eliminate the jargon of software and it becomes simpler to comprehend. An organization must work through the pertinent Trust Services Criteria, establish the appropriate controls, establish policies, gather evidence, track progress, and then make the information available for audits by an independent auditor. Platforms can manage these processes without having to connect with the various identity or cloud-based services that a company utilizes.

Integrations that are automated can be extremely valuable. Automating the collection of evidence for large organizations in an environment which is always changing can make it easier to save time. However, it doesn’t mean the same system is required for SOC 2 by startups. Startups with a compact technology environment might prefer to gather evidence by hand, rather than maintain numerous integrations.

Both the Software and Audit are different expenses

If companies view all compliance costs as one number, budgeting becomes unclear. SOC 2 includes more than just software. Internal staff are required to dedicate time to things like preparing guidelines and addressing any gaps in control. They also organize evidence. Independent audits also charge 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. When companies seek pricing, they usually refer to the cost as “certification costs”. Whatever the terminology used in the budget, software can’t substitute for the independent auditor.

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

Spreadsheets are often familiar and cost-effective, but they can become uncomfortable when multiple spreadsheets are used for communication of policies, control, evidence, ownership and audit information.

The alternative does not have to be a platform for enterprise. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a central board and provides editable template templates for policy and evidence along with progress management, as well as read-only auditor access. The platform’s access is secured with an authentication process that requires multi-factor. Its advertised launch price is $225 monthly, with a regular cost of $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.

The same process that can reduce exposure could also be achieved by removing the need for it

CertAssist is not designed to connect to the operational systems of a company. Evidence is presented without granting the compliance platform access to cloud environments and the identity environment.

The trade-off is that this approach requires an arrangement. The company has to provide evidence that could have been gathered using the automated system. The extra manual work is reasonable for a smaller group in exchange for simplified setup, a lower cost and fewer connections with third parties.

If Complexity Solves a Problem, Buy It

A growing company could eventually arrive at a point where the manual process of gathering evidence becomes inefficient. Monitoring continuously and extensive integrations will pay their price.

It is not required to purchase the most complex compliance platform until then. It’s to get the compliance task organised, keep reliable evidence, and allow for an independent audit to be managed. A good software program should eliminate friction out of the process. If the installation of the compliance tool feels like it’s taking more time than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, then the tool might be too expensive.