What is ISO-IEC 15408-2:2014?

In the fast-paced world of technology and connectivity, security has become a critical concern. The digital landscape is riddled with evolving threats that can compromise sensitive information, leading to financial loss, privacy breaches, and reputational damage. In response to these challenges, various organizations and standards bodies have developed frameworks and guidelines to ensure the security of systems and software. One such standard is ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014.

Understanding the Scope and Purpose

ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014, also known as the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation, is an international standard that defines a framework for evaluating security properties and capabilities of IT products or systems. It provides a rigorous and systematic methodology for assessing the security functionalities, vulnerabilities, and risks associated with a specific product or system.

The primary objective of this standard is to establish criteria for evaluating the trustworthiness of security features in IT products and systems. By adhering to the principles outlined in ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014, organizations can make informed decisions about the reliability and effectiveness of the security controls implemented within their technology infrastructure.

Key Components and Processes

The evaluation process according to ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014 involves several key components, each playing a crucial role in measuring the security assurance levels of IT products or systems. These components include:

Protection Profiles (PPs): PPs define sets of security requirements and specifications that are relevant for a particular product or system. They serve as the basis for evaluating the security attributes of the target technology.

Security Targets (STs): STs are documents that describe the security properties and functionalities of a specific product or system. They provide the necessary information for evaluating whether the product or system meets the specified security requirements.

Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs): EALs represent the degree of trust that can be placed in the security functions of a product or system. These levels range from EAL1 (the lowest) to EAL7 (the highest), each requiring increasingly stringent assessment and verification processes.

Evaluation Process: The evaluation process involves various stages, such as planning, testing, and documentation. It requires the participation of multiple stakeholders, including the evaluator, developer, and sponsor, to ensure an objective and transparent assessment of the target product or system.

Benefits and Applications

ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014 provides numerous benefits to both technology developers and end-users. For developers, it offers a standardized framework for designing secure products and systems, ensuring that security features are adequately implemented and tested. It also facilitates market acceptance by demonstrating the compliance of products with internationally recognized security standards.

End-users benefit from ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014 through enhanced confidence in the security of the IT products they acquire. By procuring products that have undergone rigorous evaluations based on this standard, organizations can mitigate risks, protect valuable assets, and safeguard sensitive information.

In conclusion, ISO/IEC 15408-2:2014 plays a critical role in establishing uniformity and accountability in the evaluation of IT security. By adhering to its guidelines, organizations can proactively assess the security attributes of products or systems, resulting in improved trust, reduced vulnerabilities, and ultimately, stronger protection against potential threats.