Introducing
NIAP
The National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP) is a U.S.
Government initiative originated to meet the security testing needs
of both information technology (IT) consumers and producers. NIAP
is a collaboration between the National Institute of Standards
and Technology (NIST) and the National Security Agency (NSA) in
fulfilling their respective responsibilities under PL 100-235 (Computer
Security Act of 1987). The partnership combines the extensive IT
security experience of both agencies to promote the development
of technically sound security requirements for IT products and
systems and appropriate measures for evaluating those products
and systems.
Goal of the Partnership
The long-term goal of NIAP is to help increase the level of trust
consumers have in their information systems and networks through
the use of cost-effective security testing, evaluation, and validation
programs. In meeting this goal, NIAP seeks to:
- Promote the development and use of evaluated IT products and
systems;
- Champion the development and use of national and international
standards for IT security;
- Foster research and development in IT security requirements
definition, test methods, tools, techniques, and assurance metrics;
- Support a framework for international recognition and acceptance
of IT security testing and evaluation results; and
- Facilitate the development and growth of a commercial
security testing industry within the U.S.
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