The European Union has reached a significant milestone in the realm of cybersecurity by adopting the EU cybersecurity certification scheme on Common Criteria (EUCC). Implemented under the framework delineated by the Cybersecurity Act of 2019, this landmark decision aims to elevate cybersecurity standards across the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) market in the EU. The EUCC seeks to create a unified approach to cybersecurity assessment, ensuring a more secure and trustworthy digital environment. This initiative marks the EU’s commitment to protecting its digital infrastructure and fostering a safe, single digital market.
Introduction of the EUCC Scheme
Framework and Development Process
One of the cornerstone achievements is the formal rollout of the EUCC certification scheme by the European Commission, executed in close collaboration with the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA). This certification falls under the broader EU cybersecurity certification framework, which is designed to standardize cybersecurity measures, thus fostering a more secure ICT market. The initiative aims to build a robust, unified certification system that can be trusted across all Member States, ensuring a harmonized approach to cybersecurity.
ENISA played a pivotal role in creating this candidate certification scheme, working alongside the Ad-hoc Working Group (AHWG). The AHWG consists of experts from various industries and National Cybersecurity Certification Authorities (NCCAs) across EU Member States. This multi-stakeholder approach ensured that the scheme comprehensively addresses the diverse cybersecurity needs of the EU market. The collaborative methodology adopted in developing this scheme underscores the EU’s commitment to involving multiple perspectives to craft a well-rounded, effective cybersecurity certification framework.
Collaborative Efforts
Support from the Member States, particularly through the European Cybersecurity Certification Group (ECCG), was crucial in shaping the EUCC scheme. The ECCG provided valuable guidance and support, ensuring that the certification framework aligned with national interests and standards. This collaboration reflects a collective effort to elevate cybersecurity across the continent, recognizing the importance of a unified approach in addressing cyber threats.
Additionally, the Stakeholder Cybersecurity Certification Group (SCCG) played a pivotal role in the development of the scheme. The SCCG offered insights and feedback from various industry sectors, ensuring that the certification framework met the practical needs of businesses and other stakeholders. These collaborative efforts highlight the EU’s inclusive strategy in formulating its cybersecurity policies, emphasizing the importance of collective expertise and shared responsibility.
Implications and Expected Outcomes
Building a Trusted Digital Market
The EUCC is poised to set a significant precedent, being the first major cybersecurity certification scheme adopted by the EU. By establishing unified assessment standards, it is expected to foster a trusted digital single market. This unification not only promotes higher cybersecurity standards but also enhances the overall competitiveness of ICT products, services, and processes within the EU. A unified certification scheme simplifies the cybersecurity landscape, making it easier for businesses and consumers to understand and trust the security measures in place.
Moreover, the EUCC aims to create a safer digital environment, which is crucial for the economic and societal well-being of the EU. As technology continues to evolve and integrate more deeply into everyday life, robust cybersecurity measures become increasingly essential. The EUCC addresses this need by providing a standardized framework that businesses can adhere to, thereby ensuring a higher level of security across all digital platforms.
Competitive Incentives
Although the certification framework is voluntary, it incentivizes ICT suppliers to adopt these cybersecurity measures. Suppliers who achieve EUCC certification will distinguish themselves in the market, gaining a competitive edge by proving their commitment to robust cybersecurity practices. This certification can serve as a mark of quality and reliability, encouraging more businesses to seek certification to remain competitive.
The voluntary nature of the framework does not diminish its importance; instead, it provides flexibility for businesses to adopt and integrate the certification at their own pace. By offering a clear pathway to certification, the EUCC enables businesses to gradually enhance their cybersecurity measures, meeting the evolving standards of the digital market. This approach balances the need for stringent security with the practicalities of business operations, fostering a culture of continuous improvement in cybersecurity.
Details of the Certification Framework
Assurance Levels and Evaluation
The EUCC certification builds on the existing SOG-IS Common Criteria evaluation framework, already recognized in 17 EU Member States. This foundation provides a proven and trusted methodology for cybersecurity assessment, ensuring that the EUCC benefits from established best practices. The scheme introduces two levels of assurance based on risk assessment, focusing on the likelihood and impact of potential cybersecurity incidents. This dual-layered approach ensures a balanced and effective certification process, catering to varying levels of cybersecurity needs.
By categorizing assurance levels, the EUCC allows for a more nuanced assessment of cybersecurity measures. This ensures that the certification is both comprehensive and flexible, capable of addressing the specific risks associated with different ICT products and services. The focus on both likelihood and impact of incidents provides a thorough evaluation, ensuring that certified products can withstand various cybersecurity threats.
Assessment and Conversion
Vendors holding national certifications can convert these into EUCC certificates by meeting additional, scheme-specific requirements. This seamless transition encourages wider adoption of the new scheme without disrupting existing certification processes. By allowing conversions, the EUCC ensures that businesses can leverage their current certifications while transitioning to the new framework, minimizing disruptions and facilitating a smoother adoption process.
This conversion mechanism is crucial for maintaining continuity and trust within the digital market. Businesses invested in their current certifications can confidently transition to the new scheme, knowing that their existing efforts will be recognized and built upon. This approach underlines the EUCC’s commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive certification framework that considers the practical needs of businesses.
Operational Mechanics of the EUCC
Structured Assessment Procedures
The EUCC provides a structured and standardized assessment procedure, confirming the security and reliability of ICT products. This structured approach ensures consistency and reliability in cybersecurity assessments across the EU. By establishing clear and uniform assessment criteria, the EUCC eliminates ambiguities and discrepancies that could undermine the certification process. This uniformity is essential for maintaining high standards of cybersecurity across the diverse digital landscape of the EU.
Furthermore, this structured assessment procedure provides a clear roadmap for businesses seeking certification. Detailed guidelines and criteria help businesses understand the requirements and steps needed to achieve certification, simplifying the process and reducing potential barriers. This clarity fosters a more widespread adoption of the certification scheme, enhancing overall cybersecurity standards within the EU.
Role of Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs)
Conformity Assessment Bodies (CABs) will be accredited and notified to conduct assessments under the new scheme. These bodies will play a critical role in maintaining the integrity and credibility of the certification process, ensuring compliance with EUCC requirements. The accreditation of CABs ensures that assessments are conducted by qualified entities, providing an additional layer of trust and reliability in the certification process.
CABs will be responsible for conducting thorough and impartial assessments, verifying that ICT products meet the stringent criteria established by the EUCC. Their role is pivotal in upholding the high standards of the certification scheme, ensuring that certified products truly adhere to the robust cybersecurity measures required. This independent verification is essential for building trust in the EUCC and promoting its adoption across the digital market.
Transition Strategies and Resources
Bridging Period
A transition period has been instituted to allow organizations to leverage their existing certifications while adopting the new EUCC. This strategic move ensures continuity and minimizes disruption during the shift to the new framework. By providing a bridging period, the EUCC acknowledges the time and effort businesses have already invested in their current certifications. This approach ensures that these investments are not wasted and that businesses can seamlessly transition to the new certification scheme.
The transition period also provides businesses with the necessary time to understand and implement the new requirements. This gradual shift allows for a more comprehensive adoption, ensuring that businesses can fully integrate the new standards without facing undue pressures or challenges. This strategy underscores the EUCC’s commitment to fostering a supportive and practical approach to enhancing cybersecurity standards.
ENISA Publications and Support Materials
ENISA will publish issued certificates, the Implementing Act, and supporting materials on its dedicated certification website. These resources, including state-of-the-art documents and explanatory videos, aim to facilitate the adoption and understanding of the EUCC. By providing comprehensive and accessible resources, ENISA ensures that businesses have all the necessary tools to navigate the certification process effectively.
These publications and materials are designed to demystify the certification process, making it easier for businesses to comply with the new standards. By offering detailed guides, FAQs, and explanatory videos, ENISA empowers businesses to achieve certification with confidence. This proactive approach to education and support is critical for driving widespread adoption and ensuring the long-term success of the EUCC.
Future Initiatives in Cybersecurity
Upcoming Certification Schemes
The EUCC is just the beginning; two additional schemes are currently in development—EUCS for cloud services and EU5G for 5G security. These forthcoming certifications indicate the EU’s proactive approach to securing emerging technologies. As digital infrastructures become more complex and interconnected, the need for robust and specialized cybersecurity measures becomes increasingly important. These new schemes aim to address the specific security challenges associated with cloud services and 5G technology.
The development of these additional certification schemes demonstrates the EU’s forward-thinking approach. By anticipating and addressing future cybersecurity challenges, the EU ensures that its digital market remains secure and resilient. These initiatives reflect the ongoing commitment to enhancing cybersecurity standards and protecting the digital ecosystem against evolving threats.
Feasibility Studies and Strategic Developments
The European Union has achieved a critical milestone in cybersecurity by instituting the EU cybersecurity certification scheme on Common Criteria (EUCC). This important decision, enacted under the guidelines of the Cybersecurity Act of 2019, aims to raise cybersecurity standards throughout the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector within the EU. The EUCC endeavors to establish a unified approach to cybersecurity evaluation, thereby ensuring a more secure and trustworthy digital landscape.
By adopting this scheme, the EU highlights its dedication to safeguarding its digital infrastructure and promoting a secure, integrated digital market. The EUCC will serve as a vital tool in enhancing the reliability and security of ICT products and services, thus benefiting both businesses and consumers across member states.
Furthermore, the EU’s commitment to cybersecurity is expected to stimulate innovation and competition by providing clear and consistent standards for all stakeholders in the digital ecosystem. As cyber threats continue to evolve, the EUCC represents a proactive measure to counter such risks and reinforce the resiliency of the EU’s digital environment.
