VMware announced that VMware Infrastructure 3, VMware ESX Server 3.0.2 and VMware VirtualCenter 2.0.2 have earned Common Criteria Evaluation Assurance Level 4 (EAL4+) certification under the Communications Security Establishment Canada (CSEC) Common Criteria Evaluation and Certification Scheme (CCS), following an extensive analysis and testing process. The EAL4+ rating is the highest assurance level that is recognized by all signatories under the Common Criteria Certificates (CCRA).

“Passing this rigorous, globally recognized certification process demonstrates our commitment to delivering secure, reliable virtualization products,” said Dr. Stephen Herrod, chief technology officer for VMware. “Earning the EAL4+ rating reinforces that VMware Infrastructure is among the most proven and trusted ways to run enterprise-class applications. It can be used not just for commercial computing, but for sensitive, government computing environments that demand the strictest security.”

Many government agencies are in fact using VMware software. VMware’s more than 100,000 customers include all 15 cabinet level agencies, all branches of the military, the Department of Defense Joint Commands, numerous independent agencies, as well as customers in the Judicial and Legislative branches in the United States.

Common Criteria is an internationally recognized set of guidelines (ISO 15408) that define a common framework for evaluating security features and capabilities of Information Technology security products. The standard consists of several predetermined evaluation assurance levels, each one more stringent than the last. Common Criteria allows vendors to have their products tested against a chosen level by an independent third-party testing laboratory. Common Criteria certifications are accepted by 25 countries, including the U.S. government, through the Common Criteria Recognition Agreement (CCRA). Common Criteria certification of security products is mandated by the U.S. government for all federal purchases.

To facilitate the prompt completion of the Common Criteria certification, VMware worked with Corsec Security, a consulting firm with more than 10 years of validation experience.

“Corsec is very pleased to have worked with VMware on their Common Criteria evaluation,” said Matthew Appler, CEO, Corsec Security, Inc. “The Common Criteria evaluation process is an extremely rigorous and time consuming investment. VMware’s decision to deliver a product evaluated at an EAL4+ demonstrates their strong dedication and commitment to their customers.”

“The Common Criteria certification of VMware ESX Server and VirtualCenter technology is a significant accomplishment because VMware has indeed met the rigorous EAL4+ security standard regarding trust and confidence for their software. VMware has once more set the standard for virtual machine environments, this time for security,” said Erin Connor, director of the EWA-Canada Evaluation Lab. “I am pleased for VMware’s customers because, in addition to VMware technology having a significant place in the virtualization space, the company has demonstrated a strategic, long-term commitment to the quality of its product development and quality assurance processes. Customers who buy VMware ESX Server and VirtualCenter can rely on the products as trusted virtualization solutions that will also provide security to their applications, and can be assured that the company will be there to provide full support.”

VMware completed the first Common Criteria certification for a virtualization product in March 2006 with the certification of VMware ESX Server 2.5 and VirtualCenter 1.2 at EAL2. VMware has also entered VMware ESX 3.5 and VirtualCenter 2.5 into evaluation for certification at EAL4+.