Why in News?
Recently, India was nominated as the Chair of the Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB) for the period April 2026 to April 2028, marking a major milestone in India’s growing role in global cybersecurity governance.
About Common Criteria Development Board (CCDB)
The Common Criteria Development Board serves as the technical core of the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA).
It focuses on developing and maintaining technical standards and evaluation criteria used to certify secure Information Technology (IT) products globally.
About Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA)
The CCRA is an international arrangement that enables mutual recognition of IT security certificates among participating nations. It ensures that IT products evaluated and certified in one member country are trusted and accepted in other member countries.
India became a member of the CCRA on 16 September 2013 as a Certificate Authorizing Nation.
Membership
- 20 Certificate-Authorizing Nations
- 18 Certificate-Consuming Nations
Nodal Agencies in India
India is represented through:
- Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY)
- STQC Directorate
The STQC Directorate functions as the official Certification Body for IT security evaluations in India.
Key Functions of CCDB
Common Evaluation Methodology (CEM)
- Manages technical work related to:
- Common Criteria (CC)
- Common Evaluation Methodology (CEM)
Global IT Security Standards
- Develops frameworks for secure technology certification
- Ensures interoperability and cybersecurity trust across nations
Portal Management
- Maintains the Common Criteria Portal
- Acts as the global repository of certified secure IT products
Technical Work Programmes
- Coordinates international collaboration on secure technology evaluation and certification
Significance for India
Cybersecurity Leadership
India’s chairmanship reflects increasing global confidence in India’s cybersecurity capabilities and digital governance ecosystem.
Boost to ‘Digital India’
Strengthens India’s position in secure digital infrastructure, trusted electronics, and cyber resilience.
Support for Indigenous Technology
Indian IT and hardware products certified under CC standards gain wider international acceptance.
Strategic Importance
Enhances India’s role in global cyber diplomacy and emerging technology governance.