A compliance software should aid in auditing. Small companies are often in a precarious position. Before they can begin implementing their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and learn the complexities of a compliance platform. This leads to a crucial question. When did the device designed to improve compliance, become a separate program?

CertAssist was born out of that frustration. The team behind it had been involved in compliance audits and implementations in SOC 2, ISO 27001 and various frameworks. They found platforms with a wide range of options and integrations, however companies used spreadsheets for the most important components of preparation for audits. Simpler SOC 2 compliance software is often the most effective solution for smaller companies.

Start with the Work That Needs to Be Done

If you can eliminate the language used by software it will be much easier to understand. It is essential that a company comprehend the Trust Services Criteria. This includes setting the right controls, gathering evidence, evaluating developments and documenting the policies. Platforms are able to manage these processes without having to be connected with the various identity or cloud-based services a company utilizes.

Automated integrations are certainly beneficial. A large-scale organization that is collecting evidence across a constantly changing environment can save time through automation. This doesn’t mean that the same infrastructure necessary for SOC 2 for startups. Startups that have a limited technology environment might choose to provide evidence manually and avoid maintaining numerous integrations.

The cost for the audit and software are two distinct costs.

Budgeting becomes difficult when companies take each compliance expense as a separate number. SOC 2 includes more than just software. Internal staff members are required to spend time on creating policies and addressing control gaps. They also organize evidence. The independent audit comes with its own fee as well.

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 are searching for prices, they typically employ the term “certification cost”. Software cannot substitute for an independent auditor, regardless of the terms employed in the budget.

Middle Ground isn’t required to be a Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets are simple and easy to use, but they become awkward when the policies, controls, evidence, ownership and auditing communication start spreading across many files.

It is not necessary to use an enterprise-level platform as a substitute. CertAssist displays the SOC 2 controls in one central display, and includes editable templates to govern policies and evidence, as well as progress tracking, and auditors can only view. The platform’s access is protected by the requirement for multi-factor authentication. The stated price for the launch is $225 monthly, with a price that is regular at $375 monthly or $3,999 annually.

A lack of integration could also mean less exposure

CertAssist deliberately does not connect to any company’s operational systems. Evidence is provided without giving the compliance platform standing access to identity and cloud environments.

The method is a compromise. The business must present evidence that could have been gathered from the automated system. But for smaller teams, the additional work could be justified in exchange with a simpler set-up with lower software expenses, and fewer external connections.

Purchase Complexity When Complexity Resolves the issue

An expanding company may get to the point that the manual process of gathering evidence becomes inefficient. Monitoring and monitoring continuously and integration is justified by the increased efficiency.

The objective of a compliance stack isn’t to be the best one in the market. It is important to keep the evidence credible and to organize compliance work and handle the independent audit. Software that is designed well should make this process easier. If the installation of the compliance tool feels like it’s taking more time than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be overkill.