ASTM E2659 Accreditation for Educational Institutions

One of the key requirements of ANSI/ASTM E2659-18 is that TPCBs must be independent, impartial, and competent in their assessment and certification activities. To ensure that TPCBs meet these requirements, the standard requires them to follow the methodology and procedures of ISO/IEC 17024, which is the international standard for the certification of personnel.

ISO/IEC 17024 is a widely recognized standard that provides a framework for the certification of personnel, ensuring that individuals and organizations have the necessary knowledge, skills, and experience to perform their duties. By following the procedures outlined in ISO/IEC 17024, TPCBs can demonstrate their competence in the assessment and certification of secure IT products and systems.

The adoption of ISO/IEC 17024 by ASTM E2659-18 provides more detailed guidance on the requirements for TPCBs and improves the clarity and consistency of the standard. This ensures that TPCBs are able to consistently provide accurate and reliable assessments and certifications of secure IT products and systems.

In summary, ASTM E2659-18 is a standard that ensures that Third-Party Certification Bodies (TPCBs) have the necessary competence and impartiality to carry out their assessments and certifications of secure IT products and systems. It requires TPCBs to follow the methodology and procedures of ISO/IEC 17024, which is the international standard for the certification of personnel, in order to guarantee that they meet the required standards.

A school may choose to obtain ASTM E2659 accreditation for a number of reasons. Here are a few potential benefits:

1. Demonstrates commitment to security: Obtaining ASTM E2659 accreditation demonstrates to students, parents, and the broader community that the school is committed to maintaining a high level of security for its information technology systems and products. This can help to build trust and confidence in the school's ability to protect sensitive information and keep its IT infrastructure secure.

2. Enhances the student's education: By ensuring that the school's IT systems and products meet the requirements of ASTM E2659, students can be assured that they are receiving an education using the most secure and up-to-date technology available. This can help to provide a better and safer learning experience for students.

3. Meets regulatory requirements: Some states or countries have specific regulations that require certain types of organizations, such as schools, to meet certain security standards. Obtaining ASTM E2659 accreditation may help a school to comply with these regulations and avoid any potential penalties.

4. Increases the school's reputation: Schools that have been awarded ASTM E2659 accreditation are recognized for meeting the highest standards of security and privacy for IT products and systems. This can enhance the reputation of the school and attract more students who are looking for quality education in a safe and secure environment.

5. Cost savings: By ensuring that the school's IT systems and products meet the requirements of ASTM E2659, the school can avoid costly security breaches, data loss, and other IT-related problems that can result in significant financial losses.

Overall, ASTM E2659 accreditation can provide a school with a range of benefits that can help to improve the quality of education, increase student safety, and enhance the reputation of the school.