SUPPLY CHAIN
Understanding the New Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and Its Importance in Product Design and the Supply Chain
The digital age brings unprecedented opportunities and challenges. With increasing interconnectedness, cybersecurity is paramount.
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In response to growing cyber threats, the European Union introduced the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), aimed at enhancing the security of connected products. This article delves into the CRA, its key provisions, the importance of designing products to meet its standards and how Anglia can assist in compliance.
What is the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) & what does it apply to?
The CRA is a regulatory framework proposed by the European Commission to strengthen cybersecurity across the digital ecosystem. Introduced in September 2022 and adopted in October 2024, the regulation will apply 36 months after its entry into force, with some provisions applying earlier. The CRA mandates cybersecurity requirements for hardware and software products sold within the European Union (EU), targeting manufacturers, distributors and importers to integrate robust cybersecurity measures throughout the supply chain and product lifecycle.
The CRA covers a wide range of hardware and software products, including Internet of Things (IoT) devices, consumer electronics, industrial control systems, software applications and operating systems. Products deemed critical, such as those used in essential services like healthcare and energy, face stricter compliance requirements.
Core Provisions of the Cyber Resilience Act
Key objectives of the CRA include enhancing cybersecurity by design, minimising vulnerabilities, increasing transparency and improving incident response and vulnerability management. The CRA sets importers and distributors, including: Security by Design and Default: Integrate security features from the initial design stage, ensuring products are secure by default with measures like secure authentication, encryption and regular updates.
Vulnerability Management: Establish procedures for managing vulnerabilities, monitoring security issues, providing patches and notifying authorities and users of potential risks.
Transparency and Information Disclosure: Provide detailed information about a product’s cybersecurity features and known vulnerabilities to help consumers make informed decisions. Products must undergo rigorous testing and of a company’s annual global turnover. Incident Reporting: cybersecurity incidents within 24 hours of detection, ensuring timely responses and mitigating potential damages.
Adhering to CRA standards is essential for regulatory compliance and offers several and trust, market access, reduced legal and improved user experiences.
Strengthening the Supply Chain with CRA Compliance
To align with CRA requirements, businesses need clear policies and practices across the entire supply chain. This includes:
38 FEBRUARY 2025 | ELECTRONICS FOR ENGINEERS
Conducting Regular Security Risk Assessments: Evaluating products and supply chain for potential vulnerabilities. Implementing Secure Development Practices: coding standards and conducting thorough testing during development. Ensuring Supplier Compliance: Working closely with suppliers to ensure all components meet CRA standards. Staying Updated on Cybersecurity Regulations: Adapting to evolving requirements and best practices in the supply chain.
Providing Training and Education: Equipping employees with knowledge of cybersecurity best practices. Engaging in Continuous Monitoring: Establishing processes for ongoing product and supply chain monitoring, incident detection and vulnerability management. Compliance can be challenging due to the technical complexity of integrating advanced security features and evolving cyber threats. Small and medium enterprises (SMEs) may face cost-related challenges and ensuring all supply chain components meet CRA standards can be complex.
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