As digitalisation advances and new European requirements emerge, the need for independent security assessments of digital technologies continues to grow. The European Common Criteria-based Cybersecurity Certification Scheme (EUCC) enables the security of ICT products to be evaluated against the internationally recognised Common Criteria standards and provides for the issuance of certificates recognised across the European Union.

The CyberCert-CZ project focused on establishing the necessary conditions for testing and certification under this scheme directly in the Czech Republic. It combined EZÚ's experience in certification with the research expertise and technical facilities of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at VSB-TUO.

Specialised Cybersecurity Laboratory at the Faculty

One of the project's main achievements is the establishment of a specialised laboratory for cybersecurity testing of ICT products at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. The laboratory meets all security requirements associated with testing and certification processes.

It is designed to perform security evaluations of various categories of ICT products, including network devices, security software and other digital technologies used in industry, public administration and critical infrastructure.

The laboratory is located in the new CPIT TL4 building, which also houses laboratories dedicated to automotive technologies, robotics and other fields supporting collaboration with industry.

As part of the project, the partners developed the necessary expertise and operational processes, established cooperation between the certification body and the testing laboratory, and initiated a pilot evaluation of a selected ICT product. The experience gained will support the further development of testing and certification services.

"For our university, this project represents an important opportunity to connect our research and technical expertise with practical applications. The newly established laboratory facilities will support not only the security evaluation of ICT products but also the further development of specialist knowledge and cooperation with industry partners," said Professor Ivan Zelinka from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science at VSB-TUO.

Benefits for Czech Manufacturers and the European Market

The development of domestic testing and certification capabilities could make it easier for Czech manufacturers to access specialist services that they have often had to seek abroad.

The project's importance is also increasing in connection with the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), which introduces new cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements.

"Our goal is to ensure that Czech manufacturers have access to the expertise and facilities needed for independent cybersecurity assessments directly in the Czech Republic. The CyberCert-CZ project has enabled us to combine EZÚ's certification experience with the technical capabilities of VSB-TUO and lay the foundations for new services that will become increasingly important as European requirements continue to evolve," said Jan Henyš, Cyber Security Assessor.

Cooperation Continues Beyond the Project

Although the CyberCert-CZ project concluded on 30 October 2026, cooperation between the two institutions will continue. The next steps will focus on completing the necessary accreditation and authorisation procedures, validating testing processes in practice and further developing services for ICT product manufacturers.

The long-term objective is to establish accessible, high-quality facilities and expertise in the Czech Republic for the independent cybersecurity evaluation of digital technologies in accordance with European requirements.

The CyberCert-CZ project was implemented with the support of the National Cyber and Information Security Agency (NÚKIB), in cooperation between the Electrotechnical Testing Institute and VSB – Technical University of Ostrava. Activities carried out under the REFRESH project also contribute to the further development of the university's research and technical infrastructure.

Supported through Financial Support to Third Parties (FSTP) under the project Building Testing and Certification Capabilities in the Czech Republic (TEST-CERT-CZ), funded by the Digital Europe Programme.