Compliance software is supposed to make an audit easier. Small companies are often in an awkward position. Before they are able to implement their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure and learn a complex software for compliance. This raises an interesting question. What is the point at which a tool that can lower compliance work become a new project?
CertAssist is the result of this anger. The founders of the company were involved in compliance implementations, audits, and ISO 27001 frameworks. They frequently encountered platforms brimming with features and integrations, while organizations were still using spreadsheets to manage essential elements of preparation for audits. For smaller organizations, simpler SOC 2 compliance software can sometimes be the more practical answer.
Start With the Job That Has to be Done
If you take away the software terminology it is much easier to comprehend. It is crucial that companies understand the Trust Services Criteria. This involves establishing the right controls, gathering evidence, monitoring developments and documenting the policies. Platforms can handle these tasks without having to be connected to all cloud services or identity systems the company uses.
Automated integrations can be extremely useful. Automating the collection of evidence for a large company in an environment that is constantly changing could help save time. It doesn’t necessarily mean the same structure necessary to be used for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup is operating in a small technology environment, it may be preferable to provide the evidence manually and to avoid the need for many integrations.
The cost of an audit and software are two distinct expenses
The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses treat each compliance expense as separate numbers. SOC 2 costs include more than just software. Internal staff have to spend time creating policies, addressing weaknesses in control, arranging proof and working with auditors. Independent audits also have its own fees.
Companies researching SOC 2 certification cost should also understand a terminology distinction: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation document, but not a certification in the same meaning as ISO 27001. When companies seek pricing, they usually use the term “certification costs”. Software does not replace the independent auditor regardless of the terminology used within the budget.
The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to Be a Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and easy to use, but they become cumbersome when they are spread over multiple files.
The alternative doesn’t need be an enterprise platform. CertAssist centralizes SOC2 controls and offers editable policies and templates for evidence. It also offers auditors and progress management with access only to read. The platform’s access is secured with the requirement for multi-factor authentication. The stated price for the launch is $225 monthly with regular pricing of $375 monthly, or $3999 annually.
In addition, no integration could mean A Less Exposed
CertAssist intentionally does not connect to any company’s operational systems. The compliance platform is not allowed access to cloud or the identity system.
This method has its tradeoffs. The company has to provide evidence that could have been collected using an automated system. For smaller teams, the added work can be justified with a simple set-up, lower software costs, and less external connections.
Buy Complexity when it solves a problem
In an organization that is growing that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could turn into inefficient. The cost of continuous monitoring and integration is justified by the improved efficiency.
It is not necessary to buy the most complicated compliance stack until then. It’s about getting the compliance work done, preserve the credibility of evidence and allow for an independent audit to be managed. Software that is designed well will help with this. If the implementation of 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.