CSI Trustmark Program
The Assurance Model for Cyber-Physical Security Maturity
Introduction to the CSI Trustmark
The CSI Trustmark is the industry standard for security certification and excellence. It delivers a comprehensive security validation that demonstrates an organization's commitment to the highest, industry-leading security practices and standards for converged security.
- Globally recognized certification
- Comprehensive security validation across multiple domains
- Flexible, multi-tiered certification paths
- Transparent and rigorous evaluation process
Source: CSI Trustmark - Guide (PDF)
The Need for a Converged Security Framework
Modern threats no longer respect the boundaries between the digital and physical worlds. A converged security approach is essential for holistic risk management.
The ST-CSF.001 Converged Security Framework integrates cybersecurity, physical security, and operational technology (OT) security to address complex, interconnected risks:
Hybrid Risks
Threats that exploit vulnerabilities across both physical and digital domains simultaneously.
Systemic Risks
Interconnected system failures that can cascade across multiple operational areas.
Cascading Risks
Sequential failures triggered by an initial incident that propagate through organizational dependencies.
Source: ST-CSF.TIA.001 Technology Integration and Architecture
Program Objectives
The CSI Trustmark program was built on four clear objectives to elevate security standards across the industry.
Security Standards
Establish industry security standards that build customer trust.
Clear Benchmarks
Provide clear security benchmarks for organizations.
Rigorous Testing
Validate security implementations through rigorous testing.
Competitive Edge
Create competitive differentiation through certification.
Key Stakeholders & Benefits
The Trustmark program delivers value to all participants in the security ecosystem.
Solution Providers
Benefit from streamlined sales, enhanced credibility, and market differentiation.
Enterprise Customers
Gain simplified evaluation, lower implementation risk, and verified quality assurance.
Regulatory Bodies
See the promotion of established standards, interoperability, and innovation.
Industry Partners
Experience faster solution development and reduced integration issues within a compatible ecosystem.
Source: CSI Trustmark - Guide (PDF)
The Endorsement & Readiness Framework
The Trustmark is underpinned by the CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework, a comprehensive methodology for certifying market-ready converged security solutions.
Framework Objectives:
- Certify market-ready converged security solutions.
- Validate technical interoperability, regulatory compliance, and deployment maturity.
- Promote vendor-neutral standards aligned with EN, ISO, and EU directives.
- Enable buyers to select CSI-endorsed products with confidence.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
Framework Enhancements (2025)
To strengthen accessibility and global relevance while maintaining rigor, the framework incorporates several key enhancements for 2025.
Tiered Certification Pathway
A pre-certification track for smaller vendors and startups alongside standard certification for established providers.
Enhanced Scoring Transparency
Detailed weighting criteria within each assessment dimension to guide vendor development priorities.
Global Standards Integration
Expanded mapping to international frameworks including NIST and CIS Controls.
Comprehensive Fee Transparency
Clear pricing for renewals, upgrades, and partial endorsements to support vendor planning.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
Product Capability Domains (1 of 2)
The framework evaluates products across 22 comprehensive domains. Key areas include:
Governance & Architecture
Strategic Governance, Technical Architecture, Leadership & Governance.
Security & Operations
Operational Capability, Physical Security, Cybersecurity, Operations & Resilience.
Integration & Collaboration
Systems Integration, Cross-Functional Collaboration, IT Platforms & Infrastructure.
Compliance & Risk
Legal & Compliance, Strategy & Risk Management, Audit & Assurance.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
Pre-Certification Core Domains
For the Pre-Certification Track, assessment focuses on 10 core domains essential for enterprise readiness and converged security.
- Strategic Governance: Essential for enterprise readiness and stakeholder buy-in.
- Technical Architecture: Foundation for scalability and integration capabilities.
- Operational Capability: Critical for day-to-day security operations effectiveness.
- Systems Integration: Core requirement for converged security solutions.
- Cybersecurity: Fundamental security protection capabilities.
- Zero Trust Architecture: Alignment with modern security principles.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
Product Evaluation Dimensions
Each product is assessed across five critical dimensions to ensure a holistic evaluation of its market readiness and technical excellence.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
The Certification Journey: A High-Level View
Achieving the CSI Trustmark is a structured journey that ensures comprehensive security assurance.
Initial evaluation of product details and documentation.
Rigorous technical testing against certification dimensions.
Scoring and verification of compliance with standards.
Issuance of the Trustmark and public recognition.
This journey validates security practices, enhances customer trust, and provides a significant competitive edge.
Source: CSI Trustmark - Guide (PDF)
Certification Levels & Pricing
Certification level is determined by the CSI assessment score. Pricing reflects the comprehensive evaluation, validation, and 3-year support provided for each tier. All tiers require a €1,500 initial application fee.
Bronze (60-69%)
For emerging solutions. Total investment: €2,500 for 3 years.
Silver (70-79%)
For established solutions with solid implementation. Total investment: €4,000 for 3 years.
Gold (80-89%)
For comprehensive, market-ready solutions. Total investment: €6,500 for 3 years.
Platinum (90-100%)
For elite, industry-leading solutions. Total investment: €9,500 for 3 years.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
Core Evaluation Domains
Certification involves a comprehensive assessment across three key domains to ensure holistic security and readiness.
Technical Interoperability
Assessment of system integration capabilities, API compliance, data exchange formats, and protocol compatibility.
Regulatory Compliance
Verification of adherence to industry regulations and standards, including ISO, EN, EU directives, and NIST/CIS controls.
Implementation Maturity
Evaluation of deployment readiness and operational excellence, including documentation quality, support processes, and maintenance methodology.
Source: CSI Trustmark - Guide (PDF)
Foundation: The ST-CSF.001 Converged Security Framework
The CSI Trustmark is built upon the principles of the ST-CSF.001 Converged Security Framework. Adherence to this standard is mandatory for certification.
This framework provides best practices for implementing unified risk management by integrating:
- Cybersecurity: Protecting IT systems, networks, and data from digital threats.
- Physical Security: Securing facilities, assets, and personnel from physical harm or unauthorized access.
- Operational Technology (OT) Security: Safeguarding industrial control systems and processes.
It aligns with major international standards like ISO 31000 (Risk Management) and ISO 27001 (Information Security) to ensure a robust and compliant security posture.
Source: ST-CSF.TIA.001 Technology Integration and Architecture
Key Benefits of CSI Trustmark Certification
Certification delivers tangible advantages, validating an organization's alignment with the highest standards for converged security, such as the ST-CSF.001 Converged Security Framework.
Enhanced Security
Validation of security practices against rigorous, converged standards for technology and training .
Increased Customer Trust
A clear signal to the market of your commitment to security, increasing client confidence.
Competitive Edge
Market differentiation that can lead to streamlined sales and pre-qualification for tenders.
Risk Reduction
Proactive identification and mitigation of security vulnerabilities across cyber-physical domains.
Demonstrable ROI & Business Value
Investing in the CSI Trustmark delivers a proven return with measurable business benefits.
Increased Market Access
+28% access to new markets and customer segments.
Reduced Sales Cycle
-35% faster deal closure with pre-validated security.
Competitive Advantage
67% greater differentiation from non-certified competitors.
Lower Implementation Costs
-22% reduction in integration and deployment expenses for partners and clients.
Source: CSI Trustmark - Guide (PDF)
The Certification Process in Detail
The CSI credentialing process is a comprehensive journey from application to certification, including a mandatory 3-month proof-of-concept pilot in a live environment.
Submit a product profile, technical documentation, and self-assessment.
Undergo a technical evaluation by the C-CSP credentialing panel.
Complete a proof-of-concept deployment and gather stakeholder feedback.
Receive your final score, Trustmark, and market announcement.
The framework offers a Pre-Certification Track for emerging solutions and a Standard Certification Track for enterprise-ready products.
Source: CSI Product-Oriented Endorsement & Readiness Framework
A Milestone: The First CSI Trustmark Certified Vendor
In October 2025, Alert Enterprise became the first vendor in the world to achieve certification under the CSI Trustmark, marking a new era of trusted convergence.
“Over the past year, we have been working closely with pioneering leaders to shape and refine a first-of-its-kind program designed to establish the gold standard of trust for convergence. I’m proud to announce that our first vendor, Alert Enterprise, has now achieved certification under the CSI Trustmark. This is not just a victory for one company; it’s a signal to the entire industry that a new era of trusted convergence is here.”
This achievement demonstrates the program's readiness and its value to industry pioneers.
Begin Your CSI Trustmark Journey Today
Enhance your market credibility and demonstrate your commitment to converged security excellence.
1. Self-Assessment
Complete our online readiness check to gauge your current standing.
2. Consultation
Schedule a meeting with a dedicated certification advisor to discuss your goals.
3. Application
When you're ready, submit your certification request to begin the formal process.
Source: CSI Trustmark - Guide (PDF)
Thank You
Converged Security Institute (CSI)