What is Common Criteria Certification?

Understanding the security of IT products can be confusing. One key way to know if a product meets strict security standards is through Common Criteria Certification. This certification helps users trust software and hardware by verifying their security features.

Common Criteria Certification is an international standard for evaluating the security of IT products. This article explains what it is, how it works, and why it is important for businesses and consumers who want reliable and secure technology.

What is Common Criteria Certification in IT security?

Common Criteria Certification is a formal process that tests and verifies the security features of IT products. It is based on an international standard called ISO/IEC 15408. This certification ensures that products meet specific security requirements and perform as claimed.

The certification process involves detailed evaluation by independent labs. It covers software, hardware, and firmware products used in various industries. The goal is to provide assurance that these products protect data and systems effectively.

• International standard: Common Criteria follows ISO/IEC 15408, which is recognized globally for IT security evaluation.

• Security assurance: It verifies that a product’s security features work as intended and resist common threats.

• Independent testing: Accredited labs perform thorough evaluations to ensure unbiased results.

• Wide applicability: The certification applies to many products, including operating systems, firewalls, and smart cards.

By meeting these standards, products gain trust from governments, businesses, and consumers worldwide. This helps reduce risks related to cybersecurity threats.

How does the Common Criteria evaluation process work?

The Common Criteria evaluation process is a structured method to assess IT product security. It involves several stages, starting from defining security requirements to final certification. Each step ensures the product meets strict criteria.

The process begins with the developer creating a Security Target document. This document outlines the security features and goals of the product. Evaluators then test the product against these goals.

• Security Target creation: Developers describe the product’s security functions and protection needs in detail.

• Evaluation by labs: Accredited testing labs analyze the product’s design, implementation, and security claims.

• Testing and analysis: Labs perform tests and review documentation to confirm security effectiveness.

• Certification decision: A certification body reviews the evaluation and issues the Common Criteria certificate if requirements are met.

This process can take several months depending on product complexity. It provides a clear, repeatable way to measure security quality.

What are the different Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs)?

Common Criteria uses Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs) to rate the depth and rigor of security testing. EALs range from 1 to 7, with higher levels indicating more thorough evaluation.

Each EAL defines specific requirements for testing, documentation, and vulnerability analysis. Choosing the right EAL depends on the product’s intended use and the security risk involved.

• EAL1 (Functionally Tested): Basic testing to confirm security functions work as claimed, suitable for low-risk products.

• EAL3 (Methodically Tested): More detailed analysis and testing, common for commercial products needing moderate assurance.

• EAL4 (Methodically Designed, Tested): Most popular level, balancing rigorous testing with practical cost and time.

• EAL7 (Formally Verified Design): Highest level with formal methods and exhaustive testing, used for highly sensitive systems.

Higher EALs require more resources but provide stronger confidence in security. Organizations select EALs based on their security needs and regulatory requirements.

Why is Common Criteria Certification important for businesses?

Businesses rely on secure IT products to protect sensitive data and maintain trust. Common Criteria Certification offers a trusted way to verify product security, reducing risks from cyberattacks and vulnerabilities.

Using certified products helps companies meet compliance standards and avoid costly security breaches. It also supports procurement decisions by providing clear security evidence.

• Risk reduction: Certified products have proven security features that lower the chance of successful attacks.

• Regulatory compliance: Many industries require or prefer Common Criteria certification for IT purchases.

• Market trust: Certification signals to customers and partners that security is a priority.

• Competitive advantage: Businesses can differentiate themselves by using or offering certified secure products.

Overall, Common Criteria Certification helps businesses build safer IT environments and meet growing cybersecurity demands.

How does Common Criteria Certification compare to other security standards?

Common Criteria is one of several security standards used worldwide. It differs from others by focusing on formal evaluation of product security features against defined criteria.

Other standards, like FIPS 140-2 or ISO 27001, address different aspects of security such as cryptographic modules or management systems. Common Criteria complements these by providing product-specific assurance.

Standard	Focus	Scope	Relation to Common Criteria
Common Criteria	Product security evaluation	Software, hardware, firmware	Formal security feature testing and certification
FIPS 140-2	Cryptographic module validation	Encryption hardware/software	Focuses on cryptography, often used alongside CC
ISO 27001	Information security management	Organizational policies and controls	Management system standard, complements CC product focus
PCI DSS	Payment card data security	Payment systems and processes	Industry-specific, different scope than CC

Choosing the right standard depends on your security goals. Common Criteria is best for verifying product security claims through independent testing.

What types of products typically seek Common Criteria Certification?

Many IT products undergo Common Criteria Certification to prove their security. These products often protect sensitive information or critical systems in government and enterprise environments.

Certification helps manufacturers show their products meet high security standards, which is important for sales and trust.

• Operating systems: Secure OSes for servers, desktops, and mobile devices often get certified to ensure trusted computing.

• Network devices: Firewalls, routers, and VPN gateways use certification to prove they protect data flows.

• Smart cards and tokens: Devices used for authentication and secure transactions require strong security validation.

• Security software: Antivirus, encryption tools, and identity management systems seek certification for credibility.

These products benefit from certification by gaining acceptance in regulated markets and government contracts.

Conclusion

Common Criteria Certification is a key international standard that helps verify the security of IT products. It provides a trusted way to evaluate and confirm that security features work as claimed.

By understanding the certification process, evaluation levels, and product types involved, you can make better decisions about the security of your technology. Whether you are a business or consumer, Common Criteria Certification offers valuable assurance in today’s complex cybersecurity landscape.

FAQs

What does Common Criteria Certification guarantee?

It guarantees that an IT product has been independently tested and meets specific security requirements defined in an international standard.

How long does the Common Criteria evaluation take?

The evaluation process typically takes several months, depending on product complexity and the chosen assurance level.

Is Common Criteria Certification mandatory?

It is not mandatory for all products but is often required or preferred in government and regulated industries.

Can software updates affect Common Criteria Certification?

Yes, significant changes may require re-evaluation to ensure the updated product still meets security requirements.

Where can I find a list of Common Criteria certified products?

The official Common Criteria portal and national certification bodies publish searchable lists of certified products.