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.