Microsoft's Mobile Operating Systems, Windows Mobile 5.0 and Windows Mobile 6, attain the Common Criteria EAL 2+ Assurance Level; security certification accepted by 24 worldwide members.
Microsoft Corp. has announced that its Windows Mobile 5.0 with Messaging and Security Feature Pack and Windows Mobile 6 operating systems have been awarded the Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 2+ (EAL2+), after successful assessment by the Defence Signals Directorate (DSD) managed Australasian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP). The DSD is Australia's national authority for information security.
Today's news marks a significant milestone in Microsoft's commitment to assist governments and enterprises in meeting the ever-increasing security demands for mobile devices accessing sensitive data on their information networks. Immediately following the certification, Windows Mobile was added to the DSD's Evaluated Product List (EPL), which acts as a definitive reference guide for products that can be used in the Australian Government's official communications and information systems. The evaluation was conducted by one of AISEP's evaluation labs, stratsec.
The Common Criteria is the driving force for the widest available mutual recognition of secure IT products. By meeting the security criteria for EAL2+, Windows Mobile 5.0 with Messaging and Security Feature Pack and Windows Mobile 6 operating systems are accepted under the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) by 24 members worldwide.
John Traynor, Senior Director for Microsoft's Windows Mobile Product Group, recently accepted the award from Ian McKenzie, Director Defence Signals Directorate, during a ceremony at the Department of Defence.
Commenting on this significant milestone for Microsoft and the collaboration with the DSD, Peter Watson, Chief Security Advisor for Microsoft Australia, said: "Security is a top priority for us and the successful Common Criteria evaluation is a great result for Windows Mobile. Government agencies are now assured that Windows Mobile offers an appropriate level of security and protection for their information networks. We are extremely proud of the relationship we have built with the DSD, and this certification demonstrates both of our ongoing commitments to delivering more robust and secure systems."
Ian McKenzie, Director Defence Signals Directorate, said, "The Defence Signals Directorate and Microsoft have worked collaboratively throughout the entire assessment period to ensure that these products meet the security needs for government networks.
This assessment has been an important step in evaluating emerging technology for potential use in government systems. The successful evaluation of these products means that government can be assured that there will be greater choices available to work remotely."
The DSD EPL includes a range of Information Communications Technology security products that have completed an Australian Government endorsed evaluation or are currently undergoing evaluation in the Australasian Information Security Evaluation Program (AISEP). Government agencies select products from the EPL whenever the product is required to enforce a security function related to the protection of official information and systems, as outlined in the Defence Signals Directorate's (DSD), Australian Government Information and Communications Technology Manual (ACSI33).
The 24 members included under the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement (CCRA) are:
- Australia/ New Zealand
- Austria
- Canada
- Czech Republic
- Denmark
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- India
- Israel
- Italy
- Japan
- Republic of Korea
- Malaysia
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Singapore
- Spain
- Sweden
- Turkey
- United Kingdom
- United States
Windows Mobile works efficiently with existing Microsoft business technology investments and offers users a familiar software experience, making it a smart mobile solution for businesses to deploy. The platform offers a variety of security options, giving IT departments several ways to help secure a device, including new Exchange Server policies and certificate options, storage card encryption, and continued support for remote and local device wipe.
Windows Mobile powers more than 140 handsets built by 50 device makers, which are available today through more than 160 mobile operators worldwide. |
