The Cyber Resilience Act

As industrial systems become increasingly connected, the risk of cyber threats grows, leaving applications such as factory automation and medical equipment more exposed than even before.   

 

That’s why the EU introduced the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)—a regulatory game-changer aimed at ensuring all digital products placed on the EU market meet strict cybersecurity standards. 

 

But what does this mean in practice for engineers, product developers, and OEMs working in industrial environments? 

 

Why the Cyber Resilience Act Was Introduced

 

The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) was introduced by the European Commission to address the growing threat of cyberattacks on connected devices, from consumer electronics to critical infrastructure. Unlike existing laws like the GDPR, the CRA focuses specifically on cybersecurity for internet-connected hardware and software, including smart sensors, PLCs, and embedded systems.

 

Approved in March 2024, the CRA mandates compliance by March 2027, giving companies three years to align their products and development processes with the new requirements.

 

What the CRA Means for Industrial Systems 

At the core of the CRA is a simple idea: cybersecurity must be built in—not bolted on. The regulation introduces a product-focused approach, requiring digital products to be designed, developed, and maintained with security as a key consideration from the very beginning. 

 

For industrial applications, this has serious implications. Equipment that was previously evaluated mainly for electrical safety and performance must now also meet robust cybersecurity standards—throughout the entire lifecycle. 

 

Key requirements include: 

• Conducting cybersecurity risk assessments before a product reaches the market
• Ensuring secure default configurations and minimizing exploitable vulnerabilities
• Implementing mechanisms for secure software updates
• Creating a clear process for handling and reporting security incidents 

Manufacturers will also need to supply technical documentation and declarations of conformity to show compliance. Only products that meet these requirements can receive CE marking under the new rules. 

 

Security by design 

This new regulation means that engineers and systems designers must rethink design and development practices to prioritize cybersecurity. On the other, this presents a chance to future-proof industrial systems, reduce risk exposure, and offer customers greater assurance in an increasingly volatile digital landscape. for The Cyber Resilience Act

 

Industrial environments often include high-value, long-life equipment like automation controllers, edge computing devices, and wireless gateways. These systems are frequently deployed in harsh conditions and run for years without interruption. That makes secure firmware updates, access controls, and component-level risk assessments critical. 

 

Power converters, embedded computers, and devices with onboard storage or networking features will need extra scrutiny, particularly if they are accessible over a network. Many systems also include open-source software—which means tracking vulnerabilities and updates becomes a core responsibility.