Compliance software is supposed to make an audit easier. But small businesses can be put in a difficult position. They must implement, configure and master the compliance software prior to organising their SOC 2 control. This raises an interesting question. What are the conditions that make a tool to reduce compliance work turn into an entirely new venture?

CertAssist was conceived out of this frustration. The team behind it had been involved in compliance implementations and audits across SOC 2, ISO 27001 as well as other frameworks. They repeatedly encountered platforms packed with features and integrations, while businesses still relied on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of preparation for audits. For smaller companies, a simpler SOC 2 compliance software can occasionally be the best solution.

Begin by identifying the task that Should Be Done

Eliminate the jargon of software and it’s simpler to comprehend. It is vital for a company to comprehend the Trust Services Criteria. This includes setting proper controls, obtaining evidence, monitoring developments and documenting the policies. Platforms can be used to streamline these activities without having to connect them with every cloud service and identity system used by the company.

Automated integrations can be very valuable. An organization that collects evidence in a constantly evolving environment can significantly cut down on time through automation. That doesn’t automatically make the same architecture necessary for SOC 2 for startups. A startup with a relatively compact technology environment may prefer to present evidence in person and avoid the hassle of maintaining multiple integrations.

Software and the Audit Are Two Different Costs

The process of budgeting is a challenge when businesses consider each compliance expense an individual number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than just software. Internal staff members must devote time preparing policies, addressing weaknesses in control, arranging evidence as well as 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 instead of a certification in the same meaning as ISO 27001. However, the term “certification cost” is frequently used by businesses when searching for price information, is nevertheless frequently used. Software is not a substitute for an independent auditor, irrespective of the terminology employed in the budget.

The Middle Ground Doesn’t Have to be a Spreadsheet

Spreadsheets can be inexpensive and familiar, but they can become a hassle when they are spread over several files.

The alternative doesn’t need be a enterprise-level platform. CertAssist centralizes the SOC2 control and offers editable policies and templates for evidence. It also allows auditors with progress management as well as read-only access. The mandatory multi-factor authentication safeguards access to the platform. The advertised launch price of $225 is and will be followed by a regular price of $375 per month, or $3,999 per year.

In addition, no integration may mean less exposure

CertAssist intentionally does not connect to the operational systems of an organization. Evidence is presented, but without granting the compliance platform access to cloud environments and identity environments.

This method has its pitfalls. It is the duty of the company to provide proof that could have been automatically collected. If the team is small, however, the additional manual work could be justified to facilitate setting up, lower costs for software and less third-party connections.

If Complexity Solves a Problem, Buy It

A company that is growing may come to a point that the manual process of collecting evidence becomes inefficient. The expense of monitoring and integration can be justified by the improved effectiveness.

It is not required to purchase the most complex compliance stack until then. The objective is to manage the compliance process, collect evidence and ensure that independent audits are managed. Good software should remove the friction from this process. If the implementation of the compliance platform seems like it is taking longer than the preparation for SOC 2 in itself, it could be too expensive.