What is the purpose of the Common Criteria evaluation program?

The purpose of the Common Criteria evaluation program is to evaluate the security features of commercial products. This internationally recognized framework is designed to provide a systematic method for assessing the security properties of IT products and systems. By conducting these evaluations, the program helps to ensure that the products meet specific security requirements and standards, which is crucial for organizations seeking to assess the trustworthiness of technology they intend to deploy.

The Common Criteria allows for a consistent and comprehensive assessment approach across different products, providing valuable assurance to users about the level of security they can expect from these products. This is particularly important in sectors where security is paramount, such as government and defense, as it helps organizations make informed decisions based on certified evaluations rather than marketing claims.

In contrast, other options do not align with the primary focus of the Common Criteria. The program is not aimed at assessing usability, marketing strategies, or establishing pricing standards—areas that do not directly relate to the security evaluation of products. This distinction reinforces the importance of understanding the specific goals of the Common Criteria in the context of IT security products.