June 9, 2019

Knox Deep Dive: Common Criteria Mode

Josh Fernandez

 

What is CC mode?

Knox supports advanced device configurations tailored to the defense industry. A single Knox setting can apply many of the configurations needed to put the device into a compliant state.

Thus, KPE extends AE’s device controls by exposing this setting, called the Government-Grade Common Criteria Mode or CC Mode. This setting helps simplify the task of correctly configuring a device for deployments that must meet defense-grade security requirements. The Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation, commonly referred to as Common Criteria, is an internationally-recognized standard for defining security objectives of information technology products and for evaluating vendor compliance with these objectives. A number of governments use Common Criteria as the basis for their own certification schemes.

A wide range of Samsung Galaxy devices have received Common Criteria (CC) certification. The current CC certification targets the new Mobile Device Fundamentals Protection Profile (MDFPP) of the National Information Assurance Partnership (NIAP), which addresses the security requirements of mobile devices for use in enterprise. Samsung Knox is approved by the United States government as the first NIAP-validated mobile devices to handle the full range of classified information.

 

What can CC mode do?

An IT admin can enable the device to be placed into the Common Criteria configuration. When enabled, the device:

  • Blocks bootloader download mode, the manual method for software updates
  • Mandates additional key zeroization on key deletion
  • Prevents non-authenticated Bluetooth connections
  • Requires that FOTA updates have a 2048-bit RSA-PSS signature
  • Uses many other security settings

While other optional configuration steps are still recommended on top of Common Criteria Mode, the value is clear: simplifying the correct configuration of endpoints for high-security deployments saves time and prevents mistakes that can lead to misconfigurations and added security risks.

 

More information

Refer to the following Knowledge Base Articles for details about:

 

Next steps

To learn more about:

[Icon] close

Get started with Samsung Knox

[Icon] suitcase
Are you a reseller, solution provider, or service provider?

Become a Knox Partner and grow your business today.

[Icon] info

Select a Knox product to start with:

All-in-one Bundle
Knox Suite
Rebranding and Customization
Knox Configure
Fraud and Theft Protection
Knox Guard
Device Protection Plan
Samsung Care+ for Business
Other products & services

Get started with

[Image] Knox Suite

All-in-one solution bundle for enterprise mobility.

  • Get a free 90-day trial for up to 30 devices.
  • A complete set of tools to secure, deploy, manage, and analyze your corporate devices.
  • Try powerful features bundled with Knox Suite.

Knox Suite includes:

Knox Mobile Enrollment Free
Knox Manage
Knox E-FOTA
Knox Asset Intelligence
Knox Platform for Enterprise Free
Knox Remote Support
Knox Capture
Knox Authentication Manager

Get started with

[Image] Knox Configure Logo

Rebrand and customize your Samsung devices.

  • Get a free 90-day trial for up to 30 devices.
  • Remotely configure Samsung devices in bulk and tailor them to specific needs, right out of the box.
  • Set up your devices for a one-time deployment, or update them as much as you want.

Get started with

[Icon] Knox Guard Logo

Fraud and theft protection for Samsung devices.

  • Get a free 90-day trial for up to 30 devices.
  • Reduce financial risks and protect assets by remotely controlling Samsung devices.
  • Try all the features of Knox Guard, including SIM control and device locking.

Get started with

[Image] Samsung Care Plus For Business Logo

Device protection plans for your Samsung devices.

  • Limit business interruptions with quick device repairs and replacements. Contact the Samsung sales team to get started.
  • See all your device coverage and claim information in one place.
  • Already purchased Samsung Care+ for Business? Create an account and activate your plan on the Samsung Care+ for Business console.

Other products & services

[Image] Others logo

Modern solutions to address your unique needs.

CONTACT SALES