what does row eal mean

Natashya

2 min read

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23-12-2024

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The term "Row EAL" isn't a standard, recognized abbreviation in the world of cryptography or security. It's possible there's a misunderstanding or a typo. However, the phrase likely involves a combination of terms related to security evaluations and row-level data encryption. Let's break down the potential meanings and related concepts:

Understanding Potential Interpretations

If "Row EAL" is a shortened or informal term, it could be referencing several security concepts:

1. Row-Level Encryption and Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs):

• Row-level encryption: This is a database security technique that encrypts individual rows of data within a table. Only authorized users with the decryption key can access the information. This is a crucial method for protecting sensitive data in databases.
• Evaluation Assurance Levels (EALs): These are ratings defined in the Common Criteria for Information Technology Security Evaluation (CC). EALs indicate the rigor and comprehensiveness of the security evaluation performed on a product or system. Higher EALs (e.g., EAL4, EAL7) signify more extensive and rigorous testing and validation.

Therefore, "Row EAL" might be an informal way of referring to the assurance level assigned to a system or product that employs row-level encryption. For example, a database system with strong row-level encryption might be evaluated and assigned an EAL3, indicating a moderate level of assurance. However, this isn't standard terminology.

2. Row-Level Access Control and EALs:

Instead of encryption, "Row EAL" could refer to the assurance level related to row-level access control. Row-level access control restricts who can view or modify specific rows of data. Again, an EAL would indicate the level of confidence in the security of this access control mechanism.

3. Misspelling or Misunderstanding:

It's important to acknowledge that "Row EAL" is not a widely used or established acronym. The term could be a typo, a shorthand used within a specific organization, or a misunderstanding of related security concepts.

Clarifying the Meaning

To understand the precise meaning of "Row EAL," you need more context. Consider these steps:

• Check the source: Where did you encounter this term? The surrounding text might offer clues.
• Look for related documentation: If it's from a technical document, specification, or report, look for definitions or explanations of acronyms and abbreviations.
• Contact the source: If possible, contact the person or organization who used the term "Row EAL" for clarification.

Related Security Concepts

While "Row EAL" might not be a standard term, the underlying concepts—row-level encryption and EALs—are crucial in data security. Understanding these concepts is important for protecting sensitive information.

Conclusion

In summary, while "Row EAL" itself isn't a recognized term, it likely points towards a discussion of row-level data security (either encryption or access control) and its corresponding security evaluation assurance level. More context is needed to determine the precise meaning. Always rely on official documentation and established terminology when discussing security evaluations and practices.