All posts by : Olcay

In our previous blogs, we embarked on a journey through the complicated and complex landscape of Common Criteria Certification, exploring its significance, evaluation steps, assurance levels, and potential pitfalls. The path from compliance to excellence in Common Criteria Certification is not always straightforward. It requires a strategic approach, careful planning, and a commitment to continuous improvement. In this blog post, we explore strategies for optimizing Common Criteria Certification processes to elevate cybersecurity posture from mere compliance to industry-leading excellence.

Optimization Strategies

Early Engagement: One of the keys to optimizing Common Criteria Certification processes is to involve security experts early in the product development lifecycle. By integrating security considerations from the beginning, organizations can identify potential vulnerabilities and compliance requirements upfront, streamlining the certification process and minimizing costly rework later on.

Tailored Approach: Every product is unique, and so too should be its approach to Common Criteria Certification. Instead of adopting a one-size-fits-all approach, organizations should tailor their certification strategy to align with the specific security needs and objectives of their product. This may involve conducting a thorough risk assessment, identifying applicable security standards, and customizing evaluation criteria accordingly.

Collaborative Effort: Achieving Common Criteria Certification requires collaboration across multidisciplinary teams, including developers, security engineers, quality assurance specialists, and project managers. With collaboration and communication among these stakeholders, organizations can ensure alignment on security requirements, expedite decision-making, and mitigate potential roadblocks throughout the certification process.

Automation and Tooling: Leveraging automation tools and technologies can significantly make Common Criteria Certification processes more efficient, reducing manual effort, minimizing human error, and accelerating time to market. From automated testing frameworks to compliance tracking tools, adopting automation to product development processes can enhance efficiency and effectiveness across the certification lifecycle.

Continuous Improvement: Optimization is an ongoing journey, not a one-time endeavor. Organizations should adopt a mindset of continuous improvement, regularly evaluating and refining their Common Criteria Certification processes based on lessons learned, emerging best practices, and evolving security threats. This may involve conducting post-certification reviews, seeking feedback from stakeholders, and proactively addressing areas for enhancement.

As we conclude this discussion, we’ve highlighted key strategies for optimizing Common Criteria Certification processes, offering a roadmap to elevate cybersecurity posture from compliance to industry-leading excellence. Collaborating with security experts is essential for optimizing Common Criteria Certification processes. Their expertise in identifying vulnerabilities and compliance requirements allows organizations to address security concerns early on, reducing the risk of rework and improving cybersecurity posture. This collaboration also ensures alignment with industry standards, boosting confidence in certified products. As we embark on this journey towards excellence, let’s remain watchful, adaptable, and proactive in our pursuit of cybersecurity excellence.

Obtaining Common Criteria certification marks a crucial milestone for both products and organizations, given its global recognition and its role as a confidence indicator in the product’s security features. Nonetheless, the certification process can be complex and demanding, frequently filled with potential pitfalls that may obstruct progress. In this blog, we’ll explore some common pitfalls to avoid during the Common Criteria certification process and offer practical tips on how to handle them effectively.

Underestimating the Complexity: One of the most common pitfalls is underestimating the complexity of the Common Criteria certification process. It’s crucial to recognize that obtaining certification requires a comprehensive understanding of the evaluation criteria, documentation requirements, and strict testing procedures. Failing to adequately prepare for the complexity can lead to delays and setbacks.

Lack of Stakeholder Engagement: Engaging relevant stakeholders throughout the certification process is vital for success. One common pitfall is failing to involve key stakeholders, such as developers, security experts, and project managers. Effective communication and collaboration among stakeholders can help address potential issues proactively and ensure alignment with certification objectives.

Insufficient Comprehension of Requirements: The lack of a clear understanding of certification requirements poses a significant challenge during the Common Criteria certification process. This pitfall can arise due to various factors, such as inadequate review of the relevant documentation or guidance provided by certification bodies. To mitigate this risk, it is crucial for organizations to engage in a thorough review and analysis of the Common Criteria documentation or to engage with experienced consultants and seek guidance if you do not have the time or know-how.

Thoroughly reviewing the Common Criteria documentation involves examining the evaluation criteria, guidelines, and standards set forth by certification bodies. This process ensures that organizations have a comprehensive understanding of the specific requirements relevant to their product’s security features and functionalities. Without a clear grasp of these requirements, organizations may inadvertently overlook critical aspects or misinterpret certain criteria, leading to non-compliance issues.

Misinterpreting or overlooking requirements can have serious consequences, including delays in the certification process and the need for subsequent rework. Non-compliance with certification requirements may result in the rejection of certification applications or the issuance of conditional certifications, both of which can significantly impact the product’s marketability and reputation.

To avoid this pitfall, organizations should invest time and resources in comprehensive training and education on Common Criteria certification requirements. This may involve engaging with experienced consultants or seeking guidance from certification bodies to clarify any ambiguities or uncertainties.

Insufficient documentation: Comprehensive documentation is a cornerstone of the Common Criteria certification process. One common pitfall is providing insufficient or incomplete documentation to support your security claims. It’s essential to thoroughly document every aspect of your product’s design, development, and testing, ensuring transparency and traceability throughout the certification process.

Failure to conduct testing and validation: Testing and validation are integral parts of the Common Criteria certification process. Neglecting or overlooking testing requirements can lead to certification failures. It’s crucial to develop a robust testing strategy, including both functional and vulnerability assessments, to validate your product’s security features and functionalities thoroughly.

In conclusion, navigating the Common Criteria certification process requires careful planning, attention to detail, and proactive risk management. By avoiding common pitfalls such as underestimating complexity, misunderstanding requirements, neglecting documentation and testing, organizations can significantly enhance their chances of achieving certification success. With a clear understanding of potential challenges, organizations should either dedicate the required time and resources to thoroughly review the evaluation criteria, guidelines, and standards or seek guidance from experienced consultants.

The Common Criteria, recognized globally as a framework for standardized guidelines in evaluating and certifying the security features of information technology products, incorporates assurance levels that indicate the thoroughness of the security evaluation process. These levels range from EAL1 (basic) to EAL7 (highest), offering an indicator of confidence in the security features of such products.

Why are Assurance Levels crucial?

Assurance Levels are crucial for several reasons in the context of cybersecurity and evaluating information technology products:

· Security Confidence: Offering stakeholders clarity on the thoroughness of security evaluations, gradually building, and reinforcing confidence in product security.

· Risk Mitigation: Allowing organizations to assess and mitigate risks tied to IT products, with higher Assurance Levels indicating more robust security measures.

· Informed Decision-Making: Serving as a reference point for consumers and organizations to make informed decisions based on security requirements.

· Global Standardization: Providing an internationally recognized framework through Common Criteria, actively promoting, and nurturing the development of trust in certified product security globally.

· Comprehensive Evaluation: Ranging from basic (EAL1) to the highest (EAL7), Assurance Levels ensure a progressive increase in the thorough examination and testing of products.

· Regulatory Compliance: Aligning with cybersecurity regulations, helping organizations meet compliance standards, and showcasing a commitment to robust practices.

· Continuous Improvement: Driving ongoing enhancement in security development and implementation, encouraging the adoption of advanced measures as technology evolves.

Understanding Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs)

EAL1 – Functionally Tested:

·       Basic level of assurance.

·       The evaluation is based on functional testing of the product.

·       Minimal confidence in the security functions.

EAL2 – Structurally Tested:

·       Adds documentation review to functional testing.

·       The focus is on the product’s structure and design.

·       Provides a better understanding of security features.

EAL3 – Methodically Tested and Checked:

·       Introduces systematic testing and an in-depth analysis of the security mechanisms.

·       Gaining confidence in the product’s security architecture.

EAL4 – Methodically Designed, Tested, and Reviewed:

·       Requires a comprehensive and integrated testing approach.

·       Assurance that security measures are methodically designed and tested.

·       Increased confidence in the product’s security features.

EAL5 – Semiformally Designed and Tested:

·       Incorporates formal analysis methods.

·       Greater emphasis on the design and thorough testing.

·       Provides a high level of assurance.

EAL6 – Semiformally Verified Design and Tested:

·       Extensive testing and verification activities.

·       Formal methods applied to the product’s design.

·       Exceptional assurance in the product’s security.

EAL7 – Formally Verified Design and Tested:

·       The highest level of assurance.

·       Rigorous formal verification of the product’s design and implementation.

·       Unparalleled confidence in the product’s security capabilities.

In summary, the Assurance Levels within the Common Criteria framework play a pivotal role in building confidence in cybersecurity. With the ongoing evolution of technology, following and complying with these standards are becoming increasingly crucial to guarantee the resilience and integrity of our digital infrastructure.

Before diving into the evaluation process, let’s briefly revisit what Common Criteria involves. Common Criteria is a systematic and standardized framework for evaluating and certifying the security features of information technology (IT) products and systems.  It simplifies the process of assessing and comparing the security capabilities of different products and promotes interoperability by establishing a common standard, builds trust through tangible certification, and ensures continuous improvement by adapting to emerging threats and technologies.

Step 1: Preparation and Planning

The process begins with a very careful and precise preparation and planning. The product developer or vendor, seeking Common Criteria certification, must clearly define the security objectives of the product. This includes specifying the intended environment of use, the security features to be evaluated, and the target assurance level. A well-thought-out security target document is crafted, outlining the product’s security architecture and functionality.

What is Assurance Level?

Common Criteria establishes a structured hierarchy known as Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs), ranging from EAL1 to EAL7, indicating the depth of security evaluations for information technology products. Each level represents a progressively higher level of security assurance. EAL1 involves basic functional testing for products with minimal security requirements, while EAL4 signifies a significant step with methodical design analysis, extensive testing, and comprehensive security reviews, suitable for commercial applications with moderate to high-security needs. EAL7, the highest level, requires formal verification and strict testing, reserved for products in the most sensitive and critical security environments. The choice of assurance level depends on the specific security needs, with higher levels providing increased confidence but requiring more extensive evaluations.

Step 2: Evaluation Kick-off

Once the preparation is completed, the evaluation officially kicks off. This stage involves the selection of an accredited Common Criteria evaluation facility or laboratory. The evaluation facility acts as an independent third party responsible for conducting the assessment. The product developer and the evaluation facility collaborate to establish the scope of the evaluation and define the evaluation plan.

Step 3: Security Analysis and Design Assessment

With the evaluation plan in place, the evaluation team dives into the security analysis and design assessment. This stage involves a thorough examination of the product’s security features, architecture, and design against the defined security requirements. The goal is to identify and address potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the product’s security design.

Step 4: Implementation Assessment

After the design assessment, implementation assessment starts. Here, the evaluation team inspects the product under tests closely and critically, examining the actual implementation of security mechanisms within the product. This involves code reviews, testing, and validation to ensure that the implemented security features align with the specified security requirements.

Step 5: Testing and Vulnerability Analysis

Testing is a critical phase in the Common Criteria Evaluation Process. The product is subjected to a series of tests to confirm its security functionality and its ability to resist attacks. This stage includes penetration testing, vulnerability analysis, and other testing methodologies to assess the product’s robustness against potential threats.

Step 6: Evaluation Report and Certification

Once the evaluation is complete, the evaluation facility compiles a detailed evaluation report. This report provides a comprehensive overview of the assessment, including findings, test results, and recommendations. The certification body reviews the report and, if the product meets the criteria, issues the Common Criteria certificate. This certificate attests that the product has undergone a thorough evaluation and adheres to the specified security requirements.

How long does it take?

The time it takes for a product to obtain Common Criteria certification can vary widely and depends on several factors, including the complexity of the product, the assurance level sought, the thoroughness of the evaluation process, and the efficiency of the certification process. Typically, the certification process involves various stages, including preparation, evaluation, and documentation, and it can take several months to over a year. Factors such as the completeness of the documentation provided, the responsiveness of the product developer to any issues raised during the evaluation, and the workload of the certification body can influence the overall duration. It’s advisable to work closely with the designated evaluation facility and certification body to get a more accurate estimate based on the specific details of the product and certification requirements.

In the continually expanding digital realm, the Common Criteria Evaluation Process acts as a reassuring point of reference. By navigating through each step of this process, product developers and organizations can demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity excellence. As technology continues to advance, the Common Criteria framework stands as a reliable guardian, ensuring that the products we rely on are fortified against the relentless rise and widespread impact of cyber threats.

In the dynamic realm of cybersecurity, navigating the emotional triggers exploited by hackers is crucial for safeguarding against phishing attacks. Emotions serve as powerful tools for cybercriminals, and understanding their tactics is the first line of defense. Let’s explore the frequently manipulated emotions by hackers and learn how to fortify ourselves against their strategies.

1. Curiosity: The Deceptive Lure

Curiosity, a fundamental human trait, is often exploited when hackers promise something of interest to deceive victims. Emails claiming pending purchases or tempting offers activate our curiosity, making us more susceptible to clicking on malicious links. Resisting the allure of deceptive emails requires staying focused and maintaining a skeptical approach.

2. Greed: Tempting Offers and Illusions

The allure of easy money is a well-known tactic employed by hackers. Whether it’s an unbelievable price drop on a desired item or the infamous “To claim your prize, click here!” greed becomes a vulnerability. Resisting the guilt-trap associated with tempting bargains involves avoiding the urge to click on enticing links and maintaining a critical mindset.

3. Fear: The Pervasive Manipulator

Fear, one of the most powerful human emotions, is commonly used by malicious actors. Urgent emails threatening police action or an email stating that your online bank account has been compromised prey on our fears, compelling us to click impulsively. During the pandemic, malevolent actors have deceptively notified workersthat a team member has been diagnosed with the virus, urging them to review safety instructions. In reality, this is a nefarious attachment designed for malicious purposes. Recognizing fear-inducing tactics is crucial for resisting the pressure and avoiding falling into the phishing trap.

4. Helpfulness: Exploiting Obedience

Our innate willingness to be helpful becomes a target for social engineers. If faced with a situation triggering your helpful nature, consider reaching out through a different channel, such as a call or text, to verify the legitimacy of the request.

5. Hierarchy and Authority: Questioning Requests

Research shows that people tend to comply with requests from authority figures, a tactic often exploited by hackers. When faced with a request from a higher-up, take the time to verify through alternative means, such as a call or text. Pressure to please a boss should not override the need for caution and authentication.

6. Over Confidence: Illusions of Superiority

Exaggerating our abilities through the lens of superiority bias can lead to unwarranted optimism regarding our capacity to identify phishing emails. Regardless of our level of computer savvy, manipulating our amygdala can compromise our judgment. Acknowledging this tendency and adopting a vigilant stance towards all emails can serve as a crucial step in mitigating overestimation, and preventing susceptibility to phishing attacks.

In a world filled with constant stimuli, mastering the emotional minefield of phishing requires staying mentally present and aware of the tactics employed by hackers. Phishing scams are becoming increasingly sophisticated, using a variety of tactics to manipulate our emotions. By staying vigilant, understanding these emotional situations, and implementing security best practices, we can navigate the phishing landscape with confidence and protect ourselves from falling prey to cyber threats.

In the rapidly evolving landscape of information technology, ensuring security is of utmost importance. Organizations across the globe face the challenge of ensuring that the IT products and systems they use are not only efficient but also robustly secure. This is where Common Criteria comes into play—a globally recognized standard designed to evaluate and certify the security features of these crucial technologies.

What is Common Criteria?

Common Criteria, officially known as ISO/IEC 15408, stands as an international standard that provides a systematic and standardized framework for evaluating and certifying the security features of information technology products and systems. Providing a universal language for articulating security requirements, it simplifies the process of assessing and comparing the security capabilities of different products.

What Does it Provide?

1. Security Assurance: In an era where cyber threats grow increasingly sophisticated, organizations seek confidence in the security of the IT products they depend on. Common Criteria provides a structured and thorough process for evaluating security, helping organizations make informed decisions about the technologies they adopt.
2. Global Recognition: With the interconnected nature of today’s global economy, products and services often surpass national borders. Common Criteria’s emphasis on mutual recognition allows organizations to trust the security certifications of products, even if they come from different regions. This promotes international trade and collaboration.
3. Risk Mitigation: Common Criteria assists organizations in identifying and mitigating potential security risks associated with IT products. By undergoing a standardized evaluation, vulnerabilities and weaknesses can be identified and addressed, contributing to overall risk management strategies.
4. Interoperability and Compatibility: Common Criteria promotes interoperability by providing a common standard for expressing and evaluating security requirements. This ensures that products from different vendors can work seamlessly together, reducing compatibility issues and enhancing overall system effectiveness.
5. Establishing Trust: For both vendors and consumers, trust is paramount. The certification under Common Criteria serves as tangible proof of a product’s dedication to security. This, in turn, builds trust between vendors and consumers, especially in sectors where the stakes are high, such as finance, healthcare, and defense.
6. Ensuring Continuous Improvement: Common Criteria is a dynamic framework that evolves to meet the challenges of emerging threats and technologies. This adaptability ensures that the standard remains relevant, providing organizations with a tool to address new vulnerabilities and security considerations as they arise.

In conclusion, Common Criteria is a key player and has a fundamental role in the efforts to establish and maintain a secure digital environment. It provides a consistent and widely accepted method for assessing the security features of information technology products and systems on a global scale. Common Criteria empowers organizations to make informed decisions, confidently choose secure IT products, fosters trust in the global marketplace, and ultimately contributes to a more secure and interconnected world.