The central goal of the IDS (International Data Spaces) Initiative is the sovereign exchange of data without losing control over their usage. This is achieved by using specialized IDS connectors that can enforce data usage control policies. Specifying such policies for their data allows the data providers to limit, for example, who may use it in which way. The basis for the success of the IDS is having trustworthy connectors which ensure data security and verifiably enforce usage control. The correct implementation of these connectors is ensured by having a transparent and trustworthy evaluation and certification process.
The Working Group Certification of the IDSA has developed the IDS Certification Scheme which defines the three different security levels for components and the requirements to be implemented for each level. These requirements have already been finalized for connectors, while the criteria for other components such as Broker or Clearing House will follow shortly.
The Fraunhofer Institutes FOKUS and AISEC offer a workshop to conduct an IDS-Ready evaluation in order to support companies in preparing for the certification of their connectors. It is planned that the certification will become available at the end of 2020. This leaves plenty of time for companies to have their products pre-evaluated through IDS-Ready.
Roadmap for IDS-Readiness
The 3- to 5-day workshop »IDS Component Certification« addresses companies which develop their own components such as connectors and want them to become certified for usage in the IDS. In this workshop the participants learn what is required for a successful certification and participation in the IDS and match this with the current development status of their product.
The workshop starts with a presentation of the IDS Certification Scheme and the associated criteria catalog. Based on that, the focus of the workshop lies on evaluating the company’s connector with respect to these criteria and its readiness for the IDS.
The result of the workshop is an assessment whether the existing implementation concept for the connector is already sufficient for awarding the IDS-Ready label. Additionally, a concrete roadmap with the remaining steps towards the IDS certification is elaborated in collaboration between Fraunhofer and the company. It includes an overview of the required functionalities and security properties that are already implemented versus the areas that still require touching up.
Participants of the workshop learn to assess efforts and benefits of an IDS certification as well as the certifiability of their product. Thereby they establish the basis for a successful IDS certification of their component. The prepared roadmap helps them implement any still missing (security) functionality in the product.
For further details concerning the workshop »IDS Component Certification« please contact Nadja Menz (Fraunhofer FOKUS) or Sascha Wessel (Fraunhofer AISEC).
