Key Compliance Requirements Under the Cyber Resilience Act

As the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) comes into force, businesses across the digital ecosystem will need to adapt to meet a variety of new compliance requirements. These regulations, designed to boost the security of digital products, set out a clear framework for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of digital products. In this post, we’ll break down the key compliance requirements under the CRA, helping you understand what you’ll need to do to ensure your products and operations align with these new standards.

1. Security by Design and Default

One of the cornerstone principles of the CRA is #security-by-design and #security-by-default. This means that cybersecurity measures must be integrated into the product development process from the very beginning, and products must be secure out of the box, with no need for customers to adjust settings.

For businesses, this means:

• Incorporating security features into your design process from day one.
• Conducting risk assessments and vulnerability testing during product development.
• Ensuring the final product meets the minimum security standards set by the CRA.

2. Ongoing Risk Management and Updates

The CRA requires that digital products not only be secure at launch but remain secure throughout their lifecycle. Companies are required to establish systems for ongoing risk management, including regular software updates, security patches, and incident monitoring.

Key considerations include:

• A system for tracking vulnerabilities and applying updates swiftly.
• Timely notification of customers regarding critical updates or patches.
• Continuous monitoring of the product for new risks and adapting security measures as needed.

3. Incident Reporting Requirements

The CRA mandates that businesses report significant cybersecurity incidents within 24 hours of detection. This is a tight deadline that requires businesses to have an effective incident detection and response system in place.

Compliance entails:

• Developing a robust incident response plan.
• Training teams to identify and report incidents promptly.
• Having communication protocols ready for quick public disclosures if necessary.

4. Documentation and Transparency

Transparency is a key component of the CRA, with businesses required to maintain thorough documentation of their compliance activities. This includes maintaining a record of risk assessments, security measures, and incident reports, which must be made available to relevant authorities upon request.

The key steps here are:

• Keeping detailed logs of security processes, updates, and incident responses.
• Ensuring that all security actions are clearly documented and accessible for audits.
• Developing transparency reports for customers to showcase your commitment to security.

5. Supply Chain Accountability

Under the CRA, businesses must ensure that their suppliers and subcontractors comply with the same cybersecurity standards. This extends to ensuring that any third-party components, services, or software used in your product meet CRA requirements.

To meet this requirement, you’ll need to:

• Perform due diligence on your supply chain partners.
• Establish cybersecurity requirements in contracts with third-party suppliers.
• Regularly audit and review supplier compliance to CRA standards.

6. Vulnerability Disclosure

The CRA establishes a framework for companies to disclose vulnerabilities in their products to both customers and authorities. This process aims to ensure that risks are identified and addressed before they are exploited.

Companies must:

• Set up secure and efficient channels for vulnerability reporting.
• Collaborate with cybersecurity agencies and other companies to share information about vulnerabilities.
• Ensure timely disclosure and resolution of identified risks.

Final Thoughts

Meeting the compliance requirements of the CRA is no small task, but it’s a crucial step towards enhancing the security and trustworthiness of your digital products. By integrating security by design, maintaining robust documentation, and implementing proactive risk management strategies, you can ensure that your company meets the new EU standards, safeguarding both your business and your customers.