CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) Audit Methodology
Release: Version 4.0
Document
| Field | Description |
|---|---|
| Name | CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) Audit Methodology |
| Creators | Hacken OU |
| Subject | CCSS; cryptocurrency security; wallet custody controls; key management; crypto asset protection; audit methodology; |
| Description | A specialized approach for evaluating cryptocurrency systems against the Cryptocurrency Security Standard (CCSS), combining technical review, procedural assessment, and control validation. The methodology focuses on secure key management, wallet operations, and infrastructure safeguards to determine alignment with CCSS Levels 1, 2, or 3 and to assess the system’s ability to protect crypto assets across their full lifecycle. |
| Author | Dmytro Yasmanovych | Compliance Services Lead, Hacken OU |
| Date | Oct 15th, 2025 |
| Rights | Hacken OU |
Intro
Purpose of the document
The Hacken team specialize in providing comprehensive support and guidance to organizations seeking Cryptocurrency Security Standard (CCSS) certification. This document serves as our CCSS Audit Methodology, detailing how we prepare our clients for successful CCSS audits.
Our expertise and commitment
At Hacken, we understand the critical importance of security in the cryptocurrency industry. Our team consists of highly skilled professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in cryptocurrency security and CCSS requirements. We are committed to helping our clients navigate the complexities of CCSS and prepare for successful audits that validate their adherence to industry best practices.
Tailored solutions and ongoing support
We understand that every organization has unique requirements and challenges. The Hacken team is dedicated to providing tailored solutions and ongoing support throughout the CCSS certification journey. We work closely with our clients to develop and implement robust security controls, establish comprehensive policies and procedures, and ensure readiness for the CCSS audit.
In the following sections, we will delve into the details of our CCSS Audit Methodology, outlining the steps and considerations involved in preparing for a successful CCSS audit. Our goal is to empower your organization with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve CCSS certification and demonstrate your commitment to the highest standards of cryptocurrency security.
CCSS in Depth
What is the CCSS?
The CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) is the industry benchmark for establishing and maintaining robust security practices in the cryptocurrency space, ensuring the protection of digital assets and instilling trust among stakeholders.
- The first security standard designed to protect cryptocurrency assets from various security threats.
- CCSS requirements are divided into 3 Levels (Each next level is more stringent in securing key management processes).
- Does not replace existing standards in the field of information security, but rather a complement field
Why would your organization need it?
The CCSS audit is crucial for organizations to assess and strengthen their security practices, identify vulnerabilities, and safeguard their valuable digital assets in the ever-evolving cryptocurrency landscape.
- Reducing the risk of losing cryptocurrencies as a result of attacks and other security threats.
- Improve customer reputation and trust by demonstrating high security standards.
- Compliance with the requirements of partners and service providers or the security of using digital assets.
Who needs the CCSS Audit?
- Cryptocurrency Exchanges: Exchanges that facilitate the trading of cryptocurrencies need to prioritize security to protect user funds, prevent unauthorized access, and ensure the integrity of trading platforms.
- Digital Wallet Providers: Organizations offering digital wallets for storing and managing cryptocurrencies must implement robust security measures to safeguard users' private keys and prevent unauthorized transactions or wallet compromises.
- Blockchain Platforms: Companies involved in blockchain development or providing blockchain-based services should undergo a CCSS audit to ensure the security and integrity of their blockchain networks, smart contracts, and associated infrastructure.
- Cryptocurrency Custodians: Custodial services that hold cryptocurrencies on behalf of clients must adhere to strict security protocols to prevent theft, implement secure storage solutions, and maintain the confidentiality of client assets.
CCSS Entities Certification Types
| CCSS certification types | Common examples |
|---|---|
| Self-custody | Online stores which accept payments in cryptocurrency |
| Qualified Service Providers | Key, Wallet and Transaction management Service providers |
| Full-system | CEXs that incorporates service providers into their system |
CCSS Certification Levels
When it comes to securing your organization's digital assets, one size doesn't fit all. That's why the CryptoCurrency Security Standard (CCSS) offers different certification levels, each progressively raising the bar on security requirements. Whether you're just starting or looking to take your security to the next level, CCSS certification has you covered.
The CCSS provides the ability to be certified as one of the three security levels (from 1 to 3) where with each next level the security requirements applied to your system will be more stringent.
Elevating the CCSS
At Hacken, we understand that obtaining a CryptoCurrency Security Standard Auditor (CCSSA) certification is just the beginning of ensuring comprehensive security in the cryptocurrency industry. That's why our CCSS methodology goes above and beyond by combining industry-leading standards and technical expertise.
Unlike traditional CCSS audits, our approach recognizes that a CCSSA certificate alone does not guarantee the auditor's competence. As acknowledged by the C4 consortium, the developer of the standard, CCSS serves as an additional layer of security requirements within the crypto industry, complementing existing information security frameworks.
That's where Hacken sets itself apart. Our CCSS auditors possess a solid background in conducting audits for globally recognized frameworks such as ISO27001, PCI DSS, and SWIFT. This ensures a holistic approach to security assessments, integrating CCSS seamlessly into your organization's existing security protocols.
But our expertise doesn't stop there. Hacken's auditors bring a wealth of technical security background in various services, including Blockchain Protocol Audit, Smart Contracts Audit, dApp Audit, Penetration Testing, and more. This unique combination of technical proficiency and broad industry knowledge enables us to address the complexities of securing cryptocurrencies from every angle.
We go beyond the standard requirements, offering a tailored approach that aligns with your existing security frameworks and leverages our deep understanding of blockchain technologies.
Hacken’s CCSS Way
Hacken applies a phased methodology designed to align entities with CCSS requirements while ensuring efficiency, technical accuracy, and business value. The process includes four stages:
1. Readiness Assessment
The Readiness Assessment determines whether the entity is prepared to undergo a CCSS audit. Since the standard defines three certification levels, readiness ensures the organization avoids a resource-draining engagement that could result in excessive non-conformities.
Key objectives of the Readiness Assessment include verifying that:
- The entity has prioritized the CCSS audit internally, ensuring smooth and timely responses.
- Assigned project members have sufficient authority and custody over required information.
- The entity understands that CCSS certification is not just a compliance exercise but a comprehensive review of custody and security processes.
- Documentation and policies (e.g., trusted environment boundaries, key management procedures, technical diagrams) exist and reflect actual practices.
- Adequate resources are available to engage collaboratively with auditors.
This assessment is not a deep-dive audit but a structured readiness check that typically takes 30–40 hours.
- If auditors identify that the entity would face significant gaps (e.g., >60% non-conformities), Hacken issues a Readiness Assessment Report with a clear action plan for improvement. In such cases, hours already spent are billed, while unused hours are recalculated and refunded.
- If only minor clarifications or adjustments are needed, the entity is approved to move forward with the Initial Audit.
2. Initial Audit
The Initial Audit is a full CCSS audit exercise performed with the same rigor as certification but without issuing the final Report on Compliance. Instead, the entity receives an Initial Audit Report listing non-conformities and expert recommendations.
This step is invaluable as a “trial run” for certification, allowing the entity to understand its posture, remediate weaknesses, and confirm that it can realistically achieve the targeted CCSS level.
Note: Auditors must remain independent. Hacken CCSSAs do not provide direct implementation support, smart contract audits, penetration tests, or system configuration during this stage, as prohibited by the CCSS Code of Ethics. This separation prevents conflicts of interest and safeguards audit integrity.
3. Remediation and Follow-Up
Following the Initial Audit, the entity has 20 business days to remediate identified issues. Once addressed, the entity may request a Follow-Up Check.
During the follow-up, the Hacken CCSSA validates that the corrective measures have been implemented and that the system is now compliant with the CCSS requirements. Once verification is complete, the entity becomes eligible for the Certification Audit.
4. Certification Audit
The Certification Audit is the formal process resulting in CCSS certification. It involves:
- Filing an Intent to Audit Form with the C4 consortium.
- Selecting a Peer Reviewer (CCSSA-PR) from the official auditor list.
- Conducting the full audit using information-gathering techniques (interviews, documentation analysis, inspection, and observation).
- Preparing the Report on Compliance (RoC), produced in two versions:
- Origin Report – shared only with the entity and Hacken CCSSA.
- Redacted Report – sanitized for peer review and shared with the CCSSA-PR.
Before peer review, Hacken confirms with the entity that all sensitive information has been properly anonymized in the Redacted RoC. The finalized report is then submitted to the C4 consortium with the peer reviewer copied. A successful peer review results in the official certification.
Information Gathering Techniques
Each CCSS requirement must be validated by findings supported by at least three of the following evidence sources:
- Interviews with responsible personnel.
- Documentation Analysis of policies, procedures, and records.
- Inspection of supporting evidence such as configurations, logs, or screenshots.
- Observation of processes demonstrated live, either on-site or via secure screen sharing.
This multi-source verification ensures objectivity, traceability, and confidence in audit results.
Deliverables
The deliverable of CCSS Audit are the results of the audit stages that contain:
- Detailed Readiness Action Plan with recommendations for CCSS maturity improvement.
- Detailed Gap Assessment Report with recommendations for eliminating identified CCSS issues.
- Final Report on Compliance for C4 consortium.
- Masked Report on Compliance for CCSSA-PR.
- Certificate on Compliance.
For onboarding, please fill our Hacken Compliance Services Form.