The Best SOX Compliance Software

The Best SOX Compliance Software

When the Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX) Act was passed in 2002, enterprises were forced to implement greater protections to combat accounting errors and fraud. To stay compliant, many companies started to use SOX compliance software to manage regulatory obligations and prepare for audits. In this article, we’re going to look at the 10 best SOX compliance software.

The list includes a range of the top SOX compliance tools for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. We’ve included a mix of compliance and reporting, log management, and endpoint protection tools.

Here is our list of the best SOX compliance software:

  1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager EDITOR’S CHOICE Our top pick. Log management software with log collection and a real-time event correlation engine that can detect suspicious activity and SOX compliance reports. Start a 30-day free trial.
  2. ManageEngine Log360 (FREE TRIAL) This SOX-compliant security package includes a log manager, a file integrity monitor, and a SIEM system. Runs on Windows Server. Start a 30-day free trial.
  3. ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer (FREE TRIAL) Log management software with SOX compliance reports, file integrity monitoring, real-time alerts, and more. Start a 30-day free trial.
  4. Workiva Internal Controls Management Compliance and reporting software that can be used to manage SOX compliance with custom dashboards and reports.
  5. AuditBoard SOX compliance software with custom reports, documentation version history, role-based permissions, issue management, and more.
  6. Netwrix Auditor Auditing and compliance solution that can create risk assessment reports, control user access to resources, and alert on suspicious activity.
  7. LogicManager SOX compliance software with risk control frameworks, to-do lists, real-time alerts, and more.
  8. Endpoint Protector Data loss prevention and endpoint protection tool for Windows that allows you to set file transfer policies, block unauthorized transfers, and scan for confidential data.
  9. Onspring Compliance Software Control and compliance management software that allows you to document and monitor SOX controls, create reports, and more.
  10. RSA Archer eGRC solution with a central repository for regulation feeds, with automated regulatory content analysis, reporting, and more.
  11. Galvanize ControlsBond SOX and internal control management software with automated remediation workflows, reports, centralized control management, and more.

The Best SOX Compliance Software 

Our methodology for selecting the best SOX Compliance Software

We’ve broken down our analysis for you based on these key criteria:

  • Comprehensive log management and event correlation capabilities.
  • Customizable reporting tools compatible with SOX compliance requirements.
  • Robust user activity monitoring to identify and prevent fraudulent activities.
  • Flexibility in operating across multiple platforms such as Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
  • Automated alert systems and responsive measures for detected security threats.

1. SolarWinds Security Event Manager (FREE TRIAL)

SolarWinds Security Event Manager

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is a log management tool that allows you to collect logs and monitor them in real-time through a single GUI. You can use the software to demonstrate SOX Compliance by creating an audit trail of network events with real-time event correlation. Real-time event correlation enables you to detect suspicious or anomalous events that could lead to data being stolen.

Key features: 

  • Detect security threats with real-time event correlation
  • Network intrusion detection
  • Customizable reports
  • User activity logs

The tool also comes with automated reports that you can use to create a record of SOX compliance. Scheduling these reports enables you to receive periodic updates on your compliance status. Reports are customizable so you can include the information that’s most relevant to your environment. Reports are also compatible with other regulatory frameworks including HIPAA, PCI, and DSS.

To help prevent fraud, SolarWinds Security Event Manager includes user activity monitoring. With user activity monitoring, you can monitor user activity logs to see how they’ve interacted with resources, which helps to identify malicious activities. If the correlation engine detects suspicious behavior then it can respond automatically by blocking IP addresses, logging out the employee, restarting the machine, and more.

Pros:

  • Offers real-time event correlation for detecting security threats.
  • Features network intrusion detection.
  • Provides customizable reports for various compliance needs.
  • Includes detailed user activity logs for monitoring and forensic analysis.
  • Supports multiple operating systems including Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.

Cons:

  • May require technical expertise for setup and customization.

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is a solution fit for enterprises that want an IT security tool that can be used to detect fraud. The price of a perpetual license starts at $4,805 (£3,769). Supports Windows, Mac OS, and Linux. You can start the 30-day free trial.

EDITOR'S CHOICE

SolarWinds Security Event Manager is our top SOX compliance software due to its exceptional capabilities in log management and real-time event correlation. It excels in detecting suspicious activities and includes customizable reports tailored for SOX compliance. The user activity monitoring feature is particularly useful for identifying potential fraud, enhancing the overall security posture. With its automated response actions like IP blocking and user logouts, it provides an effective means of threat mitigation.

Official Site: https://www.solarwinds.com/security-event-manager

OS: Windows, Mac OS, Linux

SolarWinds Security Event Manager Download 30-day FREE Trial

2. ManageEngine Log360 (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine Log360

ManageEngine Log360 is a good package for businesses that need to comply with SOX. It is also suitable for compliance with PCI DSS, FISMA, HIPAA, GDPR, and GLBA. The service creates a log file directory structure and rotates files regularly. This makes log files available for compliance auditing.

Key features:

  • Standards compliance
  • Threat detection
  • Threat intelligence feed
  • File integrity monitoring
  • SIEM

The Log360 package includes log collectors that operate on endpoints and cloud platforms. The system is able to interface with the operating systems of AWS, Azure, and Salesforce cloud platforms. On site, the tool collects Windows Events and Syslog messages from operating systems. The collectors are able to extract data from more than 700 software packages.

The log server consolidates arriving log messages by converting them into a common format. This enables them to be treated uniformly by the SIEM system and by the data analysis features in the Log360 console’s data viewer.

The SIEM performs user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA), which is an AI-based machine learning strategy. This examines the activities of each user account and each device, establishing a baseline of normal activities. Any deviation from this standard is flagged as suspicious activity and the Log360 SIEM generates an alert.

Alerts are displayed in the Log360 console and they are also forwarded to technicians as tickets sent through ManageEngine ServiceDesk Plus, Jira, and Kayoko.

Pros:

  • Comprehensive standards compliance including SOX, PCI DSS, and GDPR.
  • Supports data extraction from over 700 software packages.
  • Includes user and entity behavior analytics for enhanced security.

Cons:

  • Primarily focused on Windows Server, which may limit cross-platform functionality.

Log360 installs on Windows Server and ManageEngine offers the package on a 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine Log360 Start 30-day FREE Trial

3. ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer (FREE TRIAL)

ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer

ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer is a log management solution that you can use to prepare for SOX compliance. The platform comes with a range of premade SOX compliant reports including User Logon and Logoff, Logon Failure, Audit Log Access, Object Access, System Events, and more. For example, with the User Logon and Logoff report, you can view successful and unsuccessful logins and logoffs, which helps you detect malicious activity.

Key features: 

  • Pre-made SOX compliant reports
  • File integrity monitoring
  • Real-time alerts

To protect your files against fraud, ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer provides file integrity monitoring. File integrity monitoring enables you to monitor changes to files and folders in real-time so that you can detect cyber threats more easily. There are also alerts that detect anomalous behavior and send notifications via email or SMS so you know something out of the ordinary is happening.

For more general security concerns you can use the program’s log management capabilities to collect and store logs from your infrastructure. These logs enable you to monitor security events across the network so you can identify security threats promptly.

Pros:

  • Provides pre-made SOX compliant reports for easy audit trails.
  • Real-time alerts and file integrity monitoring enhance security.
  • Collects and stores logs efficiently for comprehensive monitoring.

Cons:

  • User interface might be overwhelming for new users.

ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer is worth taking a look at if you’re looking for a tool with SOX compliance reports, file change monitoring, automated alerts, and more. You need to request a quote from the company directly to view pricing information. It is available for Windows and Linux. You can download the 30-day free trial.

ManageEngine EventLog Analyzer Start 30-day FREE Trial

4. Workiva Internal Controls Management

Workiva Internal Controls Management

Workiva Internal Controls Management is a compliance and reporting solution designed to help manage compliance for regulations like SOX. You can use the tool to conduct a risk assessment to find vulnerabilities in your environment, and record your current internal controls in one place. For example, you can view a flowchart of the processes throughout your environment so you can see if your data is exposed to any unnecessary risk factors.

Key features:

  • Run risk assessments
  • Record internal controls
  • Collaborate on risk assessments and controls
  • Compliance dashboards
  • Custom reports

If there are weaknesses in your environment then you can monitor issues through the dashboard and collaborate with other users on controls and risk assessments to make changes to your cybersecurity strategy. You can also use custom reports to gather information on your current compliance standing, viewing a breakdown of risks throughout your environment with graphs and pie charts.

The platform is also equipped for auditing scenarios with a clear audit trail so you can who changed resources, and when. Users also have the option to sign-off on documents in real-time making sure that there’s no ambiguity over whether a doc was approved or not.

Pros:

  • Allows users to run risk assessments and record internal controls.
  • Offers collaboration tools for risk assessments and controls.
  • Real-time document sign-off for better compliance management.

Cons:

  • Pricing is not publicly available; direct contact is needed.
  • May be more complex than necessary for small businesses.
  • The tool’s extensive features might require additional training.

Workiva Internal Controls Management is ideal for users that are in the market for SOX compliance software to manage their compliance goals. To view pricing information for the software you need to contact the sales team directly. You can also request a demo from this link here.

5. AuditBoard

AuditBoard

AuditBoard is a web-based SOX and compliance management tool for enterprises. With AuditBoard you can monitor SOX compliance in real-time through a dashboard. The platform also comes with reports with out-of-the-box templates, that can also be customized with a report builder.

Key features:

  • Real-time dashboards
  • Custom reports
  • Centralized documentation
  • Issue management
  • Automated notifications

The program also centralizes management of your SOX documentation, so you can see what risks your environment has and the controls you have in place at any time. Documentation comes with version history and role-based permissions so you can see what changes were made, and ensure only those with permission make changes.

If there’s a problem in your environment, you can use issue management to automatically link issues to a deficiency log. The issues management capabilities of the program allow you to record issues and implement remediation actions efficiently. There are also automated notifications that let you know about updates to controls and new tasks, resulting in faster remediation.

Pros:

  • Real-time dashboards offer immediate visibility into SOX compliance.
  • Features customizable reports and centralized documentation.
  • Role-based permissions and version history for documentation.

Cons:

  • Pricing is not directly available and requires contact with the company.

AuditBoard is a tool aimed at enterprises that want to get a top-down perspective of overall SOX compliance. For pricing information, you need to contact the company directly. You can request a demo from this link here.

6. Netwrix Auditor

Netwrix Auditor screenshot

Netwrix Auditor is an auditing and compliance management solution that supports SOX compliance. With Netwrix Auditor you can create risk assessment reports to view a breakdown of risks throughout your environment. Risks are named and assigned a risk level so you can find the biggest security threats to your data.

Key features: 

  • Create risk assessment reports
  • Monitor user access
  • Threat detection alerts
  • Collect audit data from Active Directory, Office 365, Oracle Database, and more

You can also use the software to control user access to financial data by creating groups to determine which members can access sensitive resources. Services you can collect audit data from include Active Directory, Office 365, Exchange, SharePoint, Dell EMC, Oracle Database, SQL Server, Windows Server, and more.

The platform also has the ability to detect suspicious activity and can send you alerts. Alerts tip you off before a data breach happens so that you can eliminate the threat and avoid your data being compromised. You can view alerts triggered by individuals to see if you have any employees acting maliciously or problematically.

Pros:

  • Capable of creating detailed risk assessment reports.
  • Monitors user access effectively to secure financial data.
  • Provides threat detection alerts for proactive security.

Cons:

  • Primarily available for Windows, potentially limiting cross-platform use.
  • The tool’s comprehensive nature might be more than required for simple SOX compliance needs.

Netwrix Auditor is a good fit in environments when you want to search for risks in your environment and create an audit trail you can use to monitor user access. You can purchase Netwrix Auditor for $1,890 (£1,482). It is available for Windows. You can start the 20-day free trial from this link here.

7. LogicManager

LogicManager

LogicManager is a SOX compliance solution that comes with risk control frameworks you can use to manage your compliance strategy. The platform has to-do lists you can use to record and check-off tasks you need to complete to protect your data. Real-time alerts keep you updated on your compliance status.

Key features: 

  • Risk control frameworks
  • Real-time alerts
  • Custom reports

To aid with testing controls, LogicManager allows you to use automated tasks and notifications to notify other employees about issues found in testing so they can be remediated quickly. You can also generate custom reports to collect more information on your compliance status.

Pros:

  • Offers risk control frameworks for streamlined compliance management.
  • Features real-time alerts to keep users informed of compliance status.
  • Enables automated tasks and notifications for efficient control testing.

Cons:

  • Pricing depends on various factors and is not transparent upfront.
  • The platform’s extensive features might require additional training.
  • May be more suitable for larger organizations due to its complexity.

Logic Manager is a good place to start if you want to manage risks in your environment. To find out pricing information you need to contact the company directly. Pricing depends on how many users you want to support and what platform features you need. The platform is web-based. You can get the demo from this link here.

8. Endpoint Protector

Endpoint Protector

Endpoint Protector is a data loss prevention and endpoint protection tool for Windows, Mac OS, and Linux that also doubles up as a compliance management software that can be used to meet SOX compliance requirements.

Key features: 

  • Monitor and block file transfers
  • Authorize data transfers to encrypted devices
  • Scan for confidential data on devices

Endpoint Protector allows you to set policies that determine when files can be transferred and can stop unauthorized file transfers. To reduce the risk of data breaches you can configure the system to only authorize data transfers to encrypted devices.

You can also use the software to scan for confidential data located on devices throughout your network. If you find that private data is exposed then you can take action to protect that data and minimize the risk of it being stolen.

Pros:

  • Effective at monitoring and blocking unauthorized file transfers.
  • Allows setting policies for secure data transfers to encrypted devices.
  • Capable of scanning for confidential data across the network.

Cons:

  • Pricing information is not publicly available and requires direct inquiry.

Endpoint Protector is aimed at enterprises that want to protect endpoints while simultaneously making sure that private data isn’t left exposed. To view pricing information you need to contact the company directly. You can request a demo from this link here.

9. Onspring Compliance Software

Onspring Compliance Software

Onspring Compliance Software is a control and compliance management tool that allows you to document controls throughout your enterprise in a single location with a Control Library. You can categorize controls for SOX, making it easy to stay on top of your compliance tasks. Automated workflows help you to run control testing so you can measure the effectiveness of the controls used throughout your environment.

Key features: 

  • Document and manage controls for SOX compliance
  • Automated workflows for control testing
  • Issue management
  • Reports

You can also generate reports on the status of your controls. Reports can be created in Word PDF and shared with other members of your team. There is also the option to connect controls to regulations like the GDPR, PCI, HIPAA, COBIT, ISO, and NIST so you can see what controls help you to comply with which regulations.

If your controls are found to be lacking, you can use the software to identify compliance gaps and apply mitigation plans to resolve those issues. Onspring Compliance Software further supports issue management by allowing the user to assign ownership of issues with auto-reminders to make sure improvements are made.

Pros:

  • Allows documentation and management of controls in a centralized library.
  • Supports connections to regulations like GDPR, PCI, HIPAA for broader compliance.
  • Starts at $175 per user per month for up to 20 users, providing clarity on pricing.

Cons:

  • Focused on compliance management, which may be an overreach for simpler needs.

Onspring Compliance Software is a great starting point for companies that desire a compliance management solution. Prices start at $175 (£137) per user per month for up to 20 users. You can schedule a demo from this link here.

10. RSA Archer

RSA Archer

RSA Archer is an eGRC compliance management platform that can be used to comply with SOX sections 302 and 404, J-SOX, Gramm-Leach Bliley, and more. RSA Archer enables the user to create a central repository of regulatory feeds, which helps to monitor changes in regulations with a review and approval process to track changes.

Key features:

  • Central repository of regulatory feeds
  • Reports
  • Regulatory content analysis

The regulatory content analysis offered by the platform uses machine learning and natural language processing to assess how your enterprise maps regulations to controls and automates regulatory change documentation. The result is that it’s easier for employees to stay on top of compliance changes.

You can also create reports to measure the success of the controls throughout your enterprise. Continuous control monitoring reduces the chance of your environment becoming non-compliant.

Pros:

  • Provides a central repository for regulatory feeds, aiding in compliance tracking.
  • Offers regulatory content analysis using machine learning and NLP.
  • Covers a wide range of compliance requirements beyond SOX.

Cons:

  • Could be too comprehensive for organizations with basic compliance needs.

RSA Archer is a tool that’s ideal for enterprises who want a solution that helps them to stay up to date on regulatory changes. To view pricing information you need to request a quote from the company directly. You can request a demo from this link here.

11. Galvanize ControlsBond

ControlsBond (Highbond)

Galvanize ControlsBond is a SOX and internal control management solution that you can use to centrally manage controls throughout your environment. With Galvanize ControlsBond you can monitor control status through a dashboard to see what’s been tested and what hasn’t. There is also a reporting feature that you can use to generate reports on processes and control status.

Key Features:

  • Control status dashboard
  • Automated process workflows
  • Centralized risk and control library
  • Reports

The software enables you to store all your risks and controls in one place. You can build a control library by importing data from Excel or using the tool’s SOX COSO and SOX ITGC frameworks. Centralizing these controls reduces the chance of your missing anything that could make you non-compliant.

To help you manage controls more efficiently, Galvanize ControlsBond comes with automated remediation workflows that allow you to set process owners and determine who will remediate control issues.

Pros:

  • Features a control status dashboard for easy monitoring.
  • Includes automated process workflows for efficient control management.
  • Centralizes risk and control information in a single library.

Cons:

  • Pricing is not transparent and requires contact with the sales team.

Galvanize ControlsBond is a useful tool for enterprises that need a control management solution to prepare for SOX compliance. To view pricing information you need to contact the sales team directly for a quote. You can schedule a demo from this link here.

Choosing SOX Compliance Software: Editor’s Choice 

If you’re part of a publicly-traded company, SOX compliance is not just a regulatory necessity but also a competitive advantage. Implementing processes that protect your customer’s data and becoming SOX compliant shows that you take data protection seriously.

Tools like SolarWinds Security Event Manager, Workiva Internal Controls Management, and AuditBoard are our editor’s top choices for SOX compliance tools. We recommend independently researching any solutions you’re considering before committing to a purchase, to ensure that you get the best fit for your environment.

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