What is BS EN 16708:2020?

BS EN 16708:2020, also known as "Electronic Fee Collection (EFC) - Assessment of equipment for conformity to EN ISO/IEC 15408 - Part 1 and its supporting standards" is a technical standard that sets criteria for assessing the conformity of electronic fee collection equipment to the International Organization for Standardization/International Electrotechnical Commission (ISO/IEC) standard 15408-1. This standard provides requirements for independent evaluation bodies to assess the security of EFC equipment in order to ensure their suitability for use.

Background of BS EN 16708:2020

The development of BS EN 16708:2020 was driven by the increasing adoption of electronic fee collection systems worldwide. These systems are widely used for toll collection on highways, parking facilities, public transportation, and other applications. As the reliance on electronic payment grows, it becomes paramount to ensure the security and reliability of these systems.

BS EN 16708:2020 is part of a series of standards addressing the security and conformity assessment of EFC equipment. It supplements the existing ISO/IEC 15408-1, which provides general guidelines for evaluating the security of information technology products. The purpose of BS EN 16708:2020 is to provide specific requirements and guidance for the independent assessment of EFC equipment.

Main Features of BS EN 16708:2020

BS EN 16708:2020 covers various aspects of EFC equipment assessment, including functionality, security, and interoperability. It specifies the evaluation criteria and methodology that should be followed by the independent evaluation bodies. These bodies are responsible for conducting thorough assessments of the EFC equipment, identifying any potential vulnerabilities or weaknesses in the security measures, and verifying the compliance with ISO/IEC 15408-1 and its supporting standards.

The standard outlines the documentation requirements for the evaluation process, including the preparation of security targets and security functional requirements. It also provides guidance on testing procedures, vulnerability analysis, and the generation of evaluation results. The goal is to ensure that EFC equipment meets high-security standards and can withstand potential attacks or threats.

Benefits and Implications

The implementation of BS EN 16708:2020 brings several benefits for both manufacturers and users of EFC equipment. Firstly, it establishes a standardized approach to assessing the security of such systems, enabling manufacturers to demonstrate their commitment to providing secure and reliable products. Users, on the other hand, can have confidence in the reliability of the evaluated equipment and trust its resistance against cyber threats.

Furthermore, conformity to BS EN 16708:2020 can open doors to global markets, as many countries and regions require compliance with relevant standards before accepting electronic fee collection systems. Manufacturers who adhere to these standards will find it easier to navigate international regulations and expand their business opportunities.