C4 CCSS
CryptoCurrency Security Standard
Security standard for organizations storing, accepting, or transacting cryptocurrencies.
What is C4 CCSS?
The CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) is a set of requirements developed by the CryptoCurrency Certification Consortium (C4) for securing cryptocurrency operations. It provides a framework for organizations that store, accept, or transact with cryptocurrencies.
CCSS defines three levels of security: Level I (basic), Level II (standard), and Level III (advanced). Each level builds upon the previous, with increasing requirements for key generation, wallet creation, key storage, key usage, key compromise policy, keyholder grant/revoke procedures, third-party audits, data sanitization, proof of reserves, and audit logs.
The standard is particularly relevant for cryptocurrency exchanges, custodians, wallet providers, and any organization holding cryptocurrency assets. It complements traditional security frameworks by addressing the unique challenges of cryptographic key management and blockchain operations.
Who Needs C4 CCSS?
- Cryptocurrency exchanges
- Digital asset custodians
- Crypto wallet providers
- DeFi protocol operators
- Organizations accepting crypto payments
Key Requirements
Core compliance areas for C4 CCSS
Key Generation
Secure generation of cryptographic keys using approved methods and entropy sources
Key Storage
Protection of private keys using hardware security modules or multi-signature schemes
Key Usage Policies
Defined procedures for transaction signing and key access controls
Compromise Response
Procedures for responding to suspected or confirmed key compromises
Benefits of C4 CCSS Compliance
- Industry-recognized crypto security certification
- Reduced risk of asset theft or loss
- Enhanced customer confidence
- Clear security requirements for crypto operations
- Complement to traditional security frameworks
Official Resources
Related Frameworks
FATF Travel Rule
International standard requiring VASPs to share originator and beneficiary information for virtual asset transfers.
BSA/AML
Federal laws requiring financial institutions to detect and prevent money laundering.
SOC 2
The gold standard for demonstrating security practices to enterprise customers and partners.