Understanding the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation
As the world becomes increasingly digital, the security of information technology (IT) systems is more important than ever before. Cyber threats, malicious attacks, and data breaches are on the rise, and organizations must take measures to protect their sensitive information. One way to ensure the security of IT systems is through the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CC). In this article, we’ll delve into what CC is, how it works, and its benefits for organizations.
What is Common Criteria?
CC is an international standard (ISO/IEC 15408) that provides a framework for testing and evaluating security features of IT products and systems. It’s a collaborative effort between 16 countries, including the United States, Canada, Japan, and the United Kingdom. The goal of CC is to establish a set of security requirements and evaluate products and systems against these standards to ensure they meet specific security objectives.
How Does Common Criteria Work?
The CC evaluation process consists of four main components: the Protection Profile (PP), the Security Target (ST), the Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL), and the Evaluation Report. Let’s take a closer look at each of these components:
Protection Profile (PP): A PP is a specification of security requirements for a specific product or system. It defines security objectives, threats, and vulnerabilities. PPs are developed by the community to address specific security challenges.
Security Target (ST): An ST is a customized version of a PP that provides details about how a specific product or system will meet the security requirements of the PP. STs are created by the vendor or system integrator for each product or system.
Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL): An EAL is a numerical rating (1-7) assigned to a product or system after evaluation against CC. The higher the EAL, the greater the assurance that the product or system meets the security requirements.
Evaluation Report: Finally, an Evaluation Report is a detailed report of the evaluation results, including a summary of the testing and how well the product or system met the security requirements.
What Are the Benefits of Common Criteria?
CC provides several benefits for organizations, vendors, and governments. Here are just a few:
– Confidence and Trust: CC provides a common set of standards that ensure the security of IT products and systems. Certification against these standards gives organizations and consumers confidence and trust that these products and systems have been thoroughly evaluated and meet specific security requirements.
– Reduced Risk: By evaluating IT products and systems against specific standards, CC can help reduce the risk of security breaches and data loss.
– International Recognition: CC is an internationally recognized standard that is used by many countries and organizations. Certification against CC can help vendors and organizations market their products and systems globally.
– Enhanced Collaboration: Since CC is a collaborative effort between countries, it promotes international cooperation and sharing of security best practices.
Conclusion
In today’s digitally-driven world, the security of IT products and systems is of utmost importance. CC provides a framework for testing and evaluating these products and systems against specific security requirements. By adhering to CC standards, vendors and organizations can improve their security posture, reduce risk, and gain international recognition. As cyber threats continue to evolve, CC will remain an essential tool for ensuring the security of IT systems.
