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FAQ

Why is third-party evaluation important?

The statement “Trust me” from a manufacturer requires evidence. Trusted third parties exist to verify this statement, assess the arguments and offer a verdict. Expertise, capability, recognition and reputation come to mind when a trusted third party performs these assessments. Third parties like SGS Brightsight offer a service to developers by providing an independent and impartial assessment on the security capabilities of products. This allows parties without prior knowledge, to consider trust criteria in order to operate in a trustworthy environment. A security certification will be the next step in the trust chain, by having a trusted 3rd party to confirm the findings of the evaluation party and establish the criteria for such evaluations. 

What is the difference between a Cyber Security Test House and recognised labs, like SGS Brightsight?

From a laboratory perspective, there are two approaches to security: penetration testing and product evaluation.


1.  Penetration testing

With penetration testing, SGS Brightsight carries out a series of tests to hack the product. At the end of this process, the developer has an overview of what can or cannot be exploited in the product with certain knowledge. This provides the developer with immediate benefits, as most developers don’t think like hackers and are not necessarily up to date with the latest types of attacks. 

2.  Product evaluation

Product evaluation takes a more pragmatic approach. SGS Brightsight first performs a vulnerability analysis to understand the potential vulnerabilities and countermeasures in place, and then elaborates a test plan to prove or disprove the hypothesis of potential vulnerability exploits. Additionally, the report generated will have a different level of recognition for certification purposes. Recognition is an important element in the work of the security evaluation from recognised labs, since this qualifies the level of expertise but also the quality assurance on the work performed, and this reflected on the recognition of the evaluation reports.

What are the key benefits you unlock when you partner with an evaluation lab like SGS Brightsight?

From a security perspective, developers may wish to have security evaluations performed by an accredited evaluation laboratory because of a combination of the following factors:


1.  Market differentiation

Developers might use the evidence not just as a differentiator or marketing communication tool, but also to translate it on evidence of the premium security features of their products.

2.  Risk management

Knowing your product security capabilities also provide a clear return on investment in the area of risk management. The security report can serve as proof of due diligence, or help prevent security-related recalls – and the financial and reputational risks that come with them. 

3.  Compliance

This is where the evaluation laboratory industry has its origins. Compliance is a key element for developers, as the evidence product from third-party evaluations translates into access to market.

Why is it advisable to partner with a third-party lab?

In the digital, service-oriented economy, manufacturers reconsider their position towards risk appetite, security and security evidence as a competitiveness driver. All three of the factors mentioned above come into play here; for example, service providers may demand compliance and/or risk management mechanisms from their OEMs. The way to reach the goals of the fully digital society is trust.