Software that facilitates audits is known as compliance software. Smaller companies often find themselves in a precarious position. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, set up and understand an intricate platform for compliance. It’s a great question. At what point does the device designed to cut down on compliance tasks become a new project on its own?

CertAssist is the product of this frustration. CertAssist’s creators had experience with compliance audits, as well as implementations under the ISO 27001 and SOC 2 frameworks. They discovered platforms that had many functions and integrations, yet companies used spreadsheets for the main elements of preparation for audits. SOC 2 software that is simple can be better for smaller businesses.

Start by identifying the tasks that Have to be completed

If you can eliminate the software terminology it is much easier to comprehend. It is vital that companies understand the Trust Services Criteria. This involves establishing the right controls, gathering evidence, evaluating developments and documenting policies. Platforms are able to manage these activities without needing to be linked with the various identity or cloud-based services companies utilize.

Automated integrations can bring significant value. A large organization collecting evidence in a constantly evolving environment could save significant time through automation. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups with a limited technology environment may choose to record evidence on their own instead of maintaining numerous integrations.

The Audit and Software are Different Expenses

The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses treat each compliance expense as a separate number. SOC 2 costs include more than software. Internal staff are required to devote time to things like preparing policies and addressing control gaps. They also collect evidence. Independent audits also have their own fees.

Companies researching SOC 2 certification costs must be aware of a distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report, not an official certification in the same way as ISO 27001. ISO 27001. But, “certification cost” is frequently used by companies searching for price information. Software does not replace the independent auditor regardless of the language used within the budget.

The Middle Ground Doesn’t Need to Be A Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to access They are easy to use, but they can become a little awkward when guidelines, controls ownership, evidence, and audit communication begin spreading across many documents.

The alternative doesn’t need to be a platform for enterprise. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 controls and allows users to edit policies and templates for proving. It also provides auditing and progress management, as well as auditors with access to read-only. The mandatory multi-factor authentication safeguards access to the platform. The stated price for the launch is $225 monthly, and the regular price is $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.

A lack of integration can also mean More Exposure

CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to the systems that run an organization. The evidence provided is not given without giving the compliance platform standing access to cloud or identity environments.

This method has its pitfalls. It is the obligation of the business to provide evidence that could have otherwise been automatically collected. The extra manual work is acceptable for a small team in exchange of a simpler setup, lower costs and less connections to third parties.

Buy Complexity When Complexity Solves a problem

Growing companies may reach a point at which the manual process of gathering evidence becomes inefficient. This is when continuous monitoring and extensive integrations could pay their fees.

The aim of a compliance stack isn’t to be the most sophisticated one on the market. It’s about getting the compliance task organized, maintain the credibility of evidence and ensure that the independent audit is manageable. Software that’s designed properly should make this process easier. Implementing a compliance platform can feel more like a project as opposed to preparing the SOC 2 itself. It could be that the company is not using the same tools.