Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) Practice Exam

The Information Technology Security Evaluation Criteria (ITSEC) is recognized as the first successful evaluation model specifically designed to assess security. Its development marked a significant step in formalizing the process of evaluating computer security products and systems. The ITSEC provided a comprehensive framework that allowed for detailed security assessments, establishing criteria that products had to meet to be considered secure. This model focused on evaluating both the functionality and the assurance of security measures in IT products, leading to a structured approach to security evaluation.

While other frameworks, such as the Common Criteria, have gained prominence and provide additional standards for security evaluation, ITSEC was foundational in laying the groundwork for future evaluations. It offered a methodical way to assess security by defining evaluation classes and assurance levels, which ultimately helped organizations understand the security capabilities of products they were considering for implementation. In contrast, options like the Access Control Model focus more on the security mechanisms used rather than on evaluation criteria. The Security Assurance Framework, while related, is a broader concept that encompasses various approaches rather than being a standalone evaluation model like ITSEC.