If you are a startup founder or CTO under pressure to close enterprise deals, Sprinto’s marketing likely speaks directly to your anxiety. With promises to help you “sprint” through ISO 27001 or SOC 2 compliance and put security on “autopilot,” it sounds like the perfect quick fix.
But before you sign a contract worth tens of thousands of dollars, it is critical to pause and look past the “speed” branding. In the world of cybersecurity, if a promise seems too good to be true, it almost certainly is.
The Danger of “Sprinting”
The name itself—Sprinto—suggests speed is the priority. However, implementing a robust information security management system is a detailed process that typically requires around three months to do correctly.
There is a well-known principle in project management: the “Fast, Cheap, Quality” triangle. You can usually pick two, but rarely all three. Many platforms promising rapid certification are selling a “fast and cheap” solution. By this logic, the one thing you are likely sacrificing is quality.
When you treat security as a sprint rather than a marathon, you often end up with “cyber lipstick”—a program that looks good on a dashboard but provides no real protection against actual threats.
The “Autopilot” Reality Check
Sprinto and similar platforms often market themselves as a complete replacement for manual processes, implying that software can handle your compliance entirely.
However, the reality is that all compliance platforms are fundamentally based on a list of items that need evidence and policies—tasks that used to be (and still can be) managed effectively in a spreadsheet. While Sprinto offers API integrations to “automate” evidence collection, this often just means checking if a specific cloud setting is enabled.
The platform does not implement the security for you. It does not train your staff on security culture, nor does it perform the necessary penetration testing or technical audits. You are paying for a sophisticated tracking tool, but the actual work of security still falls to you or third-party consultants.
Sales Tactics to Watch Out For
We have heard reports of sales techniques designed to lock businesses into these platforms before they fully understand the commitment. Be wary of:
- The “Trust Center” Gimmick: You may be told that having their branded “Trust Center” is required to build trust with clients. This is misleading. Your partners and customers require a valid ISO 27001 or SOC 2 certification issued by an accredited auditor; they rarely care which software platform you used to display it.
- The “Urgent” Discount: Deep discounts (e.g., “50% off if you sign by Friday”) are a common trap. This tactic is designed to get you dependent on their ecosystem. Once you learn to do compliance their way, leaving becomes difficult, even when prices rise in subsequent years.
Compare It to a Spreadsheet First
Before spending your budget on a subscription that effectively acts as an online checklist, we recommend comparing it against the “old fashioned” way. You might find that a well-structured spreadsheet gives you the same visibility without the five-figure price tag.
If you want to see exactly what is required for compliance without the sales pressure, download our comprehensive tracking tool for free: Get your free ISO 27001 spreadsheet here
Alternatively, take a look at the Vertex Compliance platform (ALKE): Explore the Vertex Compliance Platform (ALKE)