CRA

What is the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)?

The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) represents an important initiative in product cybersecurity regulation, establishing the first comprehensive framework for ensuring the security of products with digital elements throughout their entire lifecycle. Taking effect on December 10, 2024, the CRA introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for manufacturers, importers, and distributors of digital products, marking a significant shift towards “security by design” principles in product development and deployment.

The CRA’s scope encompasses a broad range of products with digital elements, from connected devices and software applications to critical components like processors and software libraries. The regulation closes an important gap in terms of overarching product security requirements in the EU market and aims to establish a uniform approach to product security. The aim is to ensure that future digital products across the EU are developed, designed and maintained with cybersecurity as a fundamental aspect. The regulation introduces clear obligations for economic operators, including requirements for vulnerability management, security updates and incident reporting.

At SCHUTZWERK, we understand the transformative impact of the CRA and the associated challenges for product development and the integration of required security practices. Our team of security experts provides comprehensive support in implementing the CRA’s requirements, from initial threat and risk assessments to ongoing compliance maintenance. We help manufacturers and distributors not only to achieve compliance, but also to build robust security practices that can withstand targeted and specialized attacks , thereby strengthening product quality and user trust.

Comprehensive CRA Framework

The Cyber Resilience Act establishes a comprehensive framework for product security, focusing on several key areas that manufacturers and distributors must address to ensure product compliance and establish a consistent level of security for approved products. This framework represents a significant advancement in product security regulation, requiring organizations to implement robust security measures throughout the product lifecycle.

Security by Design and Default

The CRA mandates that cybersecurity must be considered from the earliest stages of product design and development. We support organizations by providing initial threat and risk analysis and advice on defining appropriate security requirements, designing secure architectures and implementing appropriate security mechanisms. Our approach ensures that security mechanisms are built into products from the ground up, rather than being added as an afterthought.

With our dedicated Embedded Security Team and specialized laboratory for IoT and embedded systems, we provide manufacturers with in-depth hardware and firmware security analysis capabilities. This specialized expertise is particularly valuable for CRA compliance, as we can perform advanced testing techniques such as hardware penetration testing, firmware analysis, side-channel analysis, and reverse engineering – critical for identifying security vulnerabilities that standard software testing might miss.

Vulnerability Management

Effective vulnerability management is a cornerstone of CRA compliance. We assist organizations in establishing comprehensive vulnerability management processes, including vulnerability assessment, prioritization, and remediation procedures. Our expertise helps ensure that security issues are identified and addressed throughout the product lifecycle.

Incident Response and Reporting

The CRA requires manufacturers to implement robust incident response capabilities and meet specific reporting obligations. We help organizations develop efficient incident management processes, including detection mechanisms, response procedures, and reporting protocols that meet regulatory requirements while minimizing business impact.

Supply Chain Security

Security of the supply chain is crucial under the CRA. We support organizations in implementing secure supply chain practices, including vendor assessment, component verification, and secure integration processes. Our approach helps ensure the integrity and security of all components used in digital products.

Documentation and Compliance

The CRA introduces specific documentation requirements to demonstrate compliance. We assist organizations in developing and maintaining the required documentation, including technical files, conformity assessments, and user documentation. Our expertise helps ensure that all compliance requirements are met efficiently and effectively.

Implementation Approach

Our approach to CRA implementation combines technical expertise with practical experience in product security. We work closely with your team to:

1. Assess your current product security practices against CRA requirements
2. Develop a tailored implementation roadmap
3. Support the implementation of required security measures
4. Provide ongoing guidance and support for maintaining compliance
   
   

Benefits of Working with SCHUTZWERK

When partnering with SCHUTZWERK for CRA compliance, you benefit from:

• Deep understanding of both technical security requirements and regulatory frameworks
• Practical experience in implementing product security measures
• Comprehensive testing and assessment capabilities
• Ongoing support and guidance throughout your compliance journey
• Independent and objective security expertise

Our goal is not only to help you achieve CRA compliance, but also to build lasting product security capabilities that sustainably increase the value of your products and reliably protect your users.