CIP-???? | High Assurance Best Practices

[RSoulatIOHK]

Similarly to CIP-0052 which establishes best practices for audit, this CIP proposes a comprehensive framework for developing High Assurance (HA) software within the Cardano ecosystem. Inspired by industry standards such as DO-178C, IEC 61508, and Common Criteria, it outlines best practices for ensuring software reliability, safety, and security. The framework covers activities such as safety and security analysis, requirement traceability, rigorous testing, formal verification, and independent verification and validation. It emphasizes the importance of transparent evidence presentation, including the use of on-chain methods like CIP-68 to verify compliance.

The CIP is motivated by the growing need for secure and reliable software in the Cardano ecosystem, especially for applications with significant financial or operational implications. By adopting proven methodologies from high-assurance industries, this proposal aims to enhance trust and confidence in Cardano infrastructure and applications, ultimately supporting a safer and more resilient blockchain ecosystem. The path to activation involves community consensus, pilot projects, and the establishment of a certification committee to ensure the practical implementation and widespread adoption of these standards.

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[rphair]

thanks @RSoulatIOHK - this looks promising & will be sure to mark it for triage as soon as it emerges from Draft review status.

[rphair]

Suggested change

	Status: Draft
	Status: Proposed

There is no Draft status & at the time of merged this will be Proposed if not already Active at that time.