In the current business landscape, achieving prestigious certifications like ISO 27001 or SOC2 is often seen as a prerequisite for winning major contracts and building trust. However, a trend has emerged where organisations are being persuaded to spend thousands of pounds on automated compliance platforms.
If you are paying upwards of $1000 for a tool just to track your compliance status, you are likely overspending on the wrong part of the security equation. While tracking is necessary, the real value lies in the implementation of security controls, not the software that monitors them.
The Tracking Trap: ROI vs. Documentation
Many businesses fall into the trap of believing that a high-priced platform equates to high-quality security. In reality, money spent solely on tracking compliance has a very poor Return on Investment (ROI). These platforms are often glorified “box-ticking” tools that provide an illusion of security without actually strengthening your defences.
Consider where your budget is best utilised:
- Compliance Platforms: These generally focus on documentation and administrative oversight.
- Cyber Experts: These professionals identify actual weaknesses, perform manual penetration testing, and implement the technical controls required to stop a breach.
True security is achieved through expert implementation, not just by purchasing an expensive dashboard.
The Expert vs. The DIY Tool: A Costly Analogy
Imagine you decide to renovate your home’s entire electrical system. To save money, you buy an incredibly expensive, high-tech digital blueprint and “smart” toolkit designed for DIY enthusiasts. This kit promises to guide you through the process, so you don’t hire a master electrician.
Because you are following a generic software guide rather than relying on years of trade expertise, you might miss a critical wiring fault that poses a fire risk. You have spent thousands on the “tool,” yet you are more likely to make a mistake that costs you far more in the long run. In an effort to save a few pounds on professional labour, you spent it all on a fancy item that doesn’t actually do the work for you.
Cybersecurity is similar. Using a rigid, automated platform often restricts you from receiving the bespoke, expert knowledge needed to get things done right. You risk paying for “cyber lipstick” while leaving your underlying infrastructure exposed.
Cost-Effective Alternatives
Achieving compliance does not have to break the bank. There are far more affordable ways to manage the administrative side of ISO 27001 or SOC 2, allowing you to redirect your funds toward actual protection.
- The Humble Spreadsheet: For many small to medium businesses, a well-organised spreadsheet is a perfectly valid and free way to track compliance tasks.
- The Vertex Compliance Platform: We believe in making security accessible. Vertex offers a compliance platform for just $50 per month, designed to streamline the process without the unnecessary “premium” price tag.
Focus on the Right Investment
When pursuing ISO 27001 or SOC 2, your primary goal should be to find the right cyber experts, not the most expensive platform. Real security comes from professionals who understand the nuances of your specific network, cloud environment, and employee behaviour.
By moving away from overpriced tracking tools, you can invest in expert penetration testers and security consultants who provide genuine risk reduction. This approach ensures that when you do achieve certification, it is backed by a robust and resilient security posture.
If you are considering ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification and want to ensure your budget is spent on genuine protection rather than just paperwork, the team at Vertex is here to help. We provide expert guidance and affordable tools to help you reach the peak of cyber security. Contact us today to discuss a tailored strategy for your organisation or visit our website for more information.