SGI and atsec information security complete evaluation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 Update 4

SGI and atsec information security are pleased to announce completion of the Common Criteria evaluation of Red Hat Enterprise Linux (RHEL) 4 Update 4 at evaluation assurance level (EAL) 3+ with compliance to the Controlled Access Protection Profile (CAPP). RHEL4 Update 4 was examined on the SGI® Altix® server platform. The U.S. NIAP CCEVS Common Criteria scheme is the certifier for the evaluation, the result of which is internationally recognized through the Common Criteria Recognition Arrangement.
atsec is the world’s most successful Common Criteria evaluator of Linux® operating system products. To date, the company has performed ten Linux evaluations on six different Linux platforms at assurance levels EAL2, EAL3, and EAL4+ under both the German BSI and U.S. NIAP CCEVS Common Criteria schemes.

Because atsec’s security experts are very experienced in Linux evaluations, they were able to shift evaluation efforts from RHEL4 Update 3 to RHEL4 Update 4 when it became evident early in the evaluation process that Update 4 would be released during a compatible timeframe. Stephan Müller, atsec Lead Evaluator on the project notes: “At atsec, we are proud of our status as the world leader in Linux evaluations, and maintaining that status requires us not only to pay attention to ongoing evaluations, but also to constantly monitor developments in the Linux world. Because we were confident that Update 4 would be released as scheduled, we were able to adjust our evaluation efforts to move from Update 3 to Update 4. This greatly benefits SGI, because the evaluation actually completed just after release of Update 4. When certification occurs almost concurrent with product release, the sponsor reaps the maximum benefit from his investment in evaluation.”

“CAPP certifications assure customers that the software running on SGI Altix systems is the most secure Linux can deliver today,” said Beverly Bernard, marketing manager, SGI. “Protecting access to information is especially important in these days of infiltration of systems by hackers, many of whom are people who do not have the best interest of corporations in mind.”

Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4 provides an enterprise-focused Linux environment. Areas of specific development include improvements in security capabilities, increased server performance and scalability, and enhanced desktop capabilities.

SGI – Innovation for Results™
SGI delivers a complete range of high-performance server and storage solutions along with industry-leading professional services and support that enable its customers to overcome the challenges of complex data-intensive workflows and accelerate breakthrough discoveries, innovation and information transformation.

SGI helps customers solve their computing challenges whether it’s enhancing the quality of life through drug research, designing and manufacturing safer and more efficient cars and airplanes, studying global climate, providing technologies for homeland security and defense, or helping enterprises manage large data. With offices worldwide, the company is headquartered in Mountain View, Calif., and can be found on the Web at www.sgi.com.

About atsec information security
atsec information security is an independent, standards-based IT (information technology) security consulting and evaluation services company that combines a business-oriented approach to information security with in-depth technical knowledge and global experience. atsec was founded in Munich (Germany) in January 2000 and has extensive international operations with offices in the U.S., Sweden, the U.K., and China. atsec leverages its deep security, process, and standards expertise to consult on a wide range of IT security needs, enabling clients to establish integrated security management procedures in order to manage security risk and improve data, product, and business process reliability. atsec works with leading global companies such as IBM, HP, Oracle, Cray, BMW, SGI, Vodafone, Swisscom, RWE, and Wincor-Nixdorf. For more information, please visit www.atsec.com.

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