A compliance software will simplify auditing. Small companies are often in a difficult spot. Before they can put in their SOC 2 controls they must first install, configure, and learn an extensive platform for compliance. It raises a good question. What is the point at which the instrument designed to decrease compliance become a separate project on its own?
CertAssist grew out of that frustration. Its founders had worked on compliance-related implementations and audits for SOC 2, ISO 27001, and other frameworks. They frequently encountered platforms brimming with features and integrations, while companies still relied on spreadsheets for crucial aspects of auditing process. SOC 2 is simpler SOC 2 compliance software is often the most effective solution for smaller businesses.
Start with the task you need to complete
Strip away the software terminology and the essential requirement is more understandable. The company should work through Trust Services Criteria and establish the appropriate control measures. They must also write down the policies, document evidence, track their progress, as well as make this material available to independent auditors. Platforms can be used to organize these activities without having to connect them to each cloud service or identity software that the company utilizes.
Automated integrations can be beneficial. A large company that gathers evidence across a constantly changing environment could save significant time by automating. However, that doesn’t make the same infrastructure required for SOC 2 for startups. If a startup is operating in limited technology resources, it may be preferable to create evidence by hand and not have a lot of integrations.
The Software and the Audit are separate expenses
Budgeting can be difficult if companies treat each compliance expense as an individual number. The SOC 2 cost includes more than just software. Internal staff spend time making policies, addressing weaknesses in control, organizing evidence, and working with the auditor. Independent audits have their own fees 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. However, “certification cost” is often used by businesses searching for price information. Whatever term is used in a budget, software does not replace the independent audit.
The Middle Ground isn’t required to be A Spreadsheet
Spreadsheets can be affordable and comfortable, but they are cumbersome when spread across many files.
The alternative does not have to be a business platform. CertAssist puts the SOC 2 controls on a central board and provides editable template templates for policy and evidence along with progress management, as well as auditor access with read-only. Multi-factor authentication is essential to safeguard the platform. The initial price for the platform is $225 per month. Regular pricing is $375 per month, or $3999 annually.
The absence of integration also means less exposure
CertAssist does not purposely connect with a company’s operating systems. Evidence is presented, but without granting the compliance platform access to cloud environments as well as identity environments.
This method involves a tradeoff. Evidence that could have easily been captured automatically should be provided by the business. But for smaller teams, the extra work might be justified by a more simple setup, lower software costs, and with fewer external connections.
If Complexity Solves a Problem, Buy It
A growing company may eventually arrive at a point when the manual method of gathering evidence is no longer efficient. Continuous monitoring and extensive integrations will pay off when you reach that point.
Until then, the goal isn’t buying the most advanced compliance platform available. It’s to get the compliance task organised, keep credible evidence, and make the independent audit manageable. The right software will make this process easier. If implementing the compliance platform begins to seem like a bigger project than the process of preparing for SOC 2 itself, it may simply be more tool than what the business currently requires.