Common Criteria

Definition

Common Criteria is a set of international standards for evaluating the security properties of information technology products and systems. It provides a framework that helps ensure that security requirements are defined and met, which is essential for trust in cryptographic hardware and software. By following these standards, manufacturers can demonstrate that their products have been rigorously tested and validated against specific security benchmarks.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Common Criteria was established in 1996 and has become an internationally recognized standard for security evaluation.
2. The framework is used by governments and organizations worldwide to assess the security capabilities of IT products.
3. Products evaluated under Common Criteria can receive various EAL ratings, indicating different levels of assurance based on the evaluation's thoroughness.
4. The process involves independent testing labs conducting rigorous evaluations according to predefined criteria and standards.
5. Achieving Common Criteria certification can enhance a product's marketability by demonstrating a commitment to security and compliance with international standards.

Review Questions

• How does Common Criteria enhance the trustworthiness of cryptographic hardware?
  • Common Criteria enhances trustworthiness by providing a standardized evaluation process for cryptographic hardware, ensuring that products meet specific security requirements. By undergoing rigorous testing against these criteria, manufacturers can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining high-security standards. This process not only builds consumer confidence but also helps organizations comply with regulations that mandate secure technology use.
• Discuss the significance of Evaluation Assurance Levels (EAL) in the context of Common Criteria and how they impact product evaluation.
  • Evaluation Assurance Levels (EAL) are significant within Common Criteria because they quantify the level of confidence in a product's security functions. Each EAL represents different depths of evaluation, ranging from basic security requirements to extensive testing and analysis. The EAL assigned to a product can influence purchasing decisions, as higher levels generally indicate more rigorous scrutiny, thus affecting market competitiveness and user trust.
• Evaluate the implications of having standardized frameworks like Common Criteria on global cybersecurity practices.
  • Standardized frameworks like Common Criteria have far-reaching implications for global cybersecurity practices as they create a uniform benchmark for evaluating IT security across different nations and industries. This standardization facilitates international cooperation and trust among countries, enabling smoother trade and collaboration on technological advancements. Additionally, it encourages manufacturers to prioritize security in product development, ultimately leading to enhanced protection against cyber threats worldwide.

Related terms

Evaluation Assurance Level (EAL): A numerical rating that indicates the level of confidence in the security functions of a product, based on the depth and rigor of the evaluation process.

Protection Profile: A document that specifies a set of security requirements for a particular class of products or systems, which serves as a baseline for evaluating compliance.

Security Target: A document that outlines the security properties of a specific product or system, including its intended use, threats it addresses, and security requirements.