A software for compliance should aid in auditing. Yet small companies can be in a difficult situation. Before they can manage their SOC 2 controls, they must first implement the system, set up, and then learn an extensive compliance platform. This raises an interesting question. What is the point at which the tool that was designed to ease compliance become a separate initiative of its own?

CertAssist was created out of this frustration. Its creators were involved in compliance implementations, audits and ISO 27001 frameworks. They frequently encountered platforms brimming with integrations and features while firms still relied on spreadsheets for essential elements of preparation for audits. More simple SOC 2 compliance software is often the best option for smaller organizations.

Begin with the Task that Should Be Done

If you eliminate the software terminology it will be much easier to understand. A business must go through the relevant Trust Services Criteria, establish appropriate controls, document guidelines, document evidence, monitor progress, and then make that information available for independent audit. A platform can organize those activities without necessarily connecting itself to every cloud service or identity system that the firm uses.

Automated integrations are extremely beneficial. A large company that gathers evidence across a constantly changing environment can significantly cut down on time with automation. However, it doesn’t mean the same architecture is required for SOC 2 by startups. If a startup is operating in a small technology environment, it may be preferable to make the necessary evidence available manually and avoid integrating too many systems.

Both the Software and Audit are two different costs.

The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses treat each compliance expense as distinct numbers. The SOC 2 cost includes more than software. Internal staff members must devote time on preparing policies, addressing any gaps in management, arranging the evidence and cooperating with auditors. Independent audits are also charged their own set of fees.

Companies looking into SOC 2 certification cost must be aware of a distinction in terminology: SOC 2 produces an independent attestation report rather than a certification in the same sense as ISO 27001. When companies are searching for pricing, they often use the term “certification cost”. Whatever language is used in the budget, software can’t take the place of an independent auditor.

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

Spreadsheets are simple and easy to use But they aren’t as easy when controls, policies, ownership, evidence, and audit communications begin to spread across many documents.

The alternative does not have to be a enterprise-level platform. CertAssist integrates the SOC 2 controls on a centralized board that can be edited templates for policies and evidence, progress management, and auditing access that is read-only. A mandatory multi-factor authentication system helps secure access to the system. The cost of the platform’s launch is $225 a month. Regular pricing is $375 per month, or $3999 annually.

In addition, no integration may mean less exposure

CertAssist deliberately doesn’t connect to the operational systems of the company. The evidence provided is not given without giving the compliance platform access to cloud and identity environments.

This strategy is not without its pitfalls. Evidence that could have easily been captured automatically should be provided by the company. The additional manual work is reasonable for a smaller team in exchange for a simplified setup, a lower cost and fewer connections with third party.

Purchase Complexity When Complexity Solves a Problem

In a business that is expanding that is growing, the manual collection of evidence could become inefficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will pay off when you get to that point.

The objective of a compliance stack is not to be the best one available. It’s important to keep the evidence credible and to organize compliance work and handle the independent audit. A quality software application should simplify the process. If the implementation of the compliance tool feels like it is taking longer than preparing for SOC 2 in itself, the software may be too expensive.