In 2019, The European Parliament introduced the European Cybersecurity Certification Framework in response to growing cyber threats and the need for more robust cybersecurity measures. These certification schemes were part of the broader cybersecurity policy introduced with the European Union Cybersecurity Act, which boosted cybersecurity measures and cyber resilience across EU member states. The certification framework aims to standardize and elevate cybersecurity measures across digital products, services, and systems throughout the European Union.
Explore this groundbreaking framework's key components, objectives, and pivotal role in shaping a more EU-wide secure digital connectivity landscape.
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What is the EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework?
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework is a comprehensive set of rules and criteria to ensure top-level cybersecurity for Information and Communication Technology (ICT) products, services, and systems in the European Union developed by ENISA (the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity). Formulated by the European Commission under the EU Cybersecurity Act, this framework aims to establish a unified approach to cybersecurity certification.
Previously, numerous national certifications existed across Europe, such as the UK’s Cyber Essentials scheme, the Dutch scheme for Baseline Security Product Assessment (BSPA), and France’s Certification Sécuritaire de Premier Niveau (CSPN). The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework replaced this previous system with a new standard risk management system accepted at the EU level, promoting a streamlined single market.
The EU Cybersecurity Act also included a permanent mandate for ENISA, strengthening its role. It also established the European Cybersecurity Certification Group, which comprises representatives from consumer organizations, conformity assessment bodies, standard developing organizations, and trade associations. The EU Agency for Cybersecurity aids in developing the certification scheme and implementing it across member states.
Key Components
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework comprises a few key components, including cybersecurity certification schemes. The primary component of the framework is the certification levels that suit different risk profiles. This tiered system allows businesses to obtain a certification linked to their specific level of risk and security. Certification Levels include:
- Basic: Poses a low cybersecurity risk. A manufacturer or service provider self-assessment is usually sufficient for this level.
- Substantial: Poses a significant cybersecurity risk where protection measures against known attack scenarios are needed. Requires a comprehensive evaluation by a third party.
- High: Poses a high cybersecurity risk with scenarios where the impact of an attack could be severe. Rigorous evaluation and testing by a third party are mandated for this level.
Additionally, other components of the framework include:
- Certification Criteria: Expansive guidelines specify a product, service, or system's level of cybersecurity to earn a certification. These include security functions (data encryption, access controls, etc.), compliance requirements, and evaluation metrics that combine to create a framework for assessing the level of security of a product or system.
- Governance and Oversight: Includes Certification Bodies and the ongoing monitoring and auditing processes that ensure certified products and services meet the cybersecurity framework's established standards.
- Recognition and Mutual Agreements: Establishes that once a product, service, or system is certified under this framework, that certification is valid across all EU member states. This removes the need for multiple national certifications and facilitates a more integrated digital market.
Objectives of the EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework’s primary objective is to enhance cybersecurity in information security measures across the EU. Included in this are specific goals that work together to create best practices.
Information Security
Measures must be implemented to protect data from accidental or unauthorized use. This includes all data stages during an ICT product, service, or process lifecycle, like storage, processing, access, loss, etc. Examples of information systems security measures include data encryption, multi-factor authentication (MFA), firewalls, etc.
Access Control
The certification framework requires access control measures that only allow authorized persons, programs, or machines to access data, services, or functions. These include role-based access control, two-factor authentication, and VPNs.
Vulnerability Assessment
The framework includes vulnerability assessments that verify whether an ICT product, service, or process contains known vulnerabilities. These include network vulnerability assessments, web application vulnerability assessments, and physical security assessments.
User Activity Monitoring
User Activity Monitoring is the process that records and allows users to check when and who accessed or used specific data, functions, and services. Some common examples include log monitoring, keystroke logging, and screen recording.
Cyber Resilience
Suppose an ICT product, service, or process should suffer a physical or technical incident. In that case, cyber resilience refers to promptly restoring access to data, services, and functions. Best practices for cyber resilience include having an incident response plan (IRP), regular data backups, and redundancy systems.
Security by Design
The certification framework requires that ICT products, services, and processes are designed to be secure by default. Examples include having a secure boot built into the hardware, end-to-end encryption in messaging services, and role-based access control during software development.
Patch Management
Patch management refers to the systematic identification, acquisition, installation, and verification of patches—updates that fix bugs, vulnerabilities, or other issues with ICT products, services, and processes. These can include operating system updates, cloud service provider patching, and industrial control system (ICS) patch management.
Who Must Comply with the EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework?
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework focuses on manufacturers, developers, and providers of digital products, services, and systems sold and operated in the EU. Parties that fall under the EU Cybersecurity Framework Certification include:
- Manufacturers and Developers: Any business that creates ICT products and services for the European market or imports into the EU.
- Service Providers: Providers of ICT digital services, including online marketplaces, cloud computing services, and search engines.
- Critical Infrastructure Operators: Entities that operate essential services (energy, transport, banking, health) if they use ICT products or services. While the EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework does not mandate compliance with the certification framework, other regulations, like the NIS Directive, may encourage them to use certified products or services.
- Public Sector and Government Agencies: In specific situations, organizations in the public sector or government may be required to use certified ICT products or services.
Regarding compliance and penalties for non-compliance, each member state in the EU establishes its penalties for infringement of the cybersecurity certification schemes. These penalties should be effective, proportionate, and dissuasive, and member states are also required to notify the European Commission of their rules and measures, including if any amendment affects them.
How does the EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework Build Trust?
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework is essential in creating trust. The framework sets up consistent cybersecurity protocols and provides customers with a trustworthy stamp of approval, guaranteeing that certified products, services, and systems meet strict security standards.
For Businesses
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework is a reliable way for businesses to establish trust when operating online. By following a standardized set of cybersecurity guidelines and obtaining certification, companies demonstrate their commitment to security to consumers and partners. This enhances their reputation and gives them a competitive advantage in an environment where cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important.
Additionally, the framework makes it easier for businesses to comply with various EU regulations, including GDPR and the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA). This reduces the risk of legal consequences damaging a business's reputation. Essentially, the certification serves as a symbol of trustworthiness that can enhance customer loyalty, attract partnerships, and facilitate smoother interactions with regulators, all of which contribute to a more reliable business environment.
For Consumers
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework is a trustworthy consumer symbol indicating security and data protection. When individuals observe that a digital product, service, or system has obtained this certification, they can be sure that it has undergone extensive security testing and meets the high standards established by a unified European authority. This minimizes worries about personal data breaches, unauthorized access, or other cyber threats, increasing consumer confidence in digital platforms for services or purchases.
The framework adds a layer of trust, which helps consumers make informed decisions in a complex digital world. The EU Cybersecurity Certification framework boosts consumer confidence, making it crucial to creating a secure and transparent digital internal market.
For Regulatory Bodies
Within the European Union, regulatory bodies rely on the EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework as a consistent and trustworthy way to evaluate the cybersecurity status of different digital products, services, and systems. By using a standardized set of methodologies and evaluation metrics, regulators can be assured that certified entities meet rigorous cybersecurity standards. This simplifies the monitoring and enforcement, as authorities no longer need to navigate conflicting national standards.
In addition to its governance and oversight features, the framework has built-in components for periodic audits and reviews that provide extra assurance of ongoing compliance. This helps to build trust among regulatory bodies by establishing a consistent, transparent, and rigorous cybersecurity certification system throughout the EU.
Future Prospects
The EU Cybersecurity Certification Framework has a promising future, especially since cybersecurity is becoming increasingly important in the global digital landscape. As the framework matures, it is likely to incorporate emerging technologies and cybersecurity threats, keeping it relevant and effective. Its harmonization could serve as a blueprint for other international cybersecurity efforts, leading to global standards that further secure digital ecosystems worldwide.
Moreover, as more companies and consumers recognize the value of certification, its adoption is expected to grow, increasing its impact on building trust and ensuring cybersecurity throughout the EU.
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