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The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is a landmark regulation designed to enhance cybersecurity for digital products across Europe. With cyber threats escalating and interconnected devices growing exponentially, the CRA introduces strict security requirements for software, hardware, and firmware manufacturers.
Failure to comply could result in fines of up to €15 million or 2.5% of a company’s global revenue. With phased deadlines in place, businesses must act now to align with the CRA’s security mandates.
This guide explores what the CRA means, who it impacts, and how businesses can prepare.
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is an EU-wide regulation ensuring that all digital products sold in the European market are secure by design. It mandates manufacturers to:
• Embed cybersecurity measures from product development to end-of-life.
• Provide security updates and patches for known vulnerabilities.
• Report cybersecurity incidents within set timeframes.
• Ensure compliance with EU security standards.
• December 2024 – CRA officially entered into force.
• September 2026 – Mandatory vulnerability reporting begins.
• December 2027 – Full compliance required.
Companies selling software, connected devices (IoT), and critical digital products in the EU must comply or risk penalties.
With over 40 billion IoT and OT devices expected by 2030, the increasing interconnectivity of digital systems exposes businesses to cyberattacks. Before the CRA, cybersecurity rules in the EU were fragmented, varying by country.
The CRA harmonizes regulations, ensuring a unified security framework for manufacturers, importers, and distributors. It complements existing EU laws like GDPR and NIS2, reinforcing data protection and digital resilience.
• Before CRA: No consistent cybersecurity standards.
• After CRA: Unified EU-wide compliance rules for digital products.
1. Secure-by-Design Development
• Cybersecurity must be integrated into product design.
• Manufacturers must track and fix vulnerabilities post-release.
2. Mandatory Security Updates
• Free security patches for an extended period.
• Businesses must provide regular security maintenance.
3. Incident Reporting and Compliance
• Vulnerability disclosures start September 2026.
• Companies must maintain technical documentation proving compliance.
4. Heavy Non-Compliance Penalties
• Fines up to €15 million or 2.5% of global turnover.
• Strict market surveillance and audits by EU regulators.
To stay compliant, organizations must:
1. Conduct a Cybersecurity Audit:
Identify security gaps in products and infrastructure before the CRA enforcement deadlines.
2. Implement Secure-By-Design Practices:
Ensure all digital products follow security best practices throughout their lifecycle.
3. Enhance Vulnerability Management:
Set up systems to track and patch vulnerabilities proactively.
4. Leverage Compliance Automation:
With CRA requiring continuous security updates and vulnerability reporting, companies can benefit from solutions that automate security monitoring and compliance documentation.
MicroSec provides ultra-lightweight security solutions that integrate directly into firmware, ensuring real-time vulnerability detection, automated patch management, and post-market security compliance. By leveraging MicroSec’s lifecycle management technology, manufacturers can streamline their cybersecurity obligations and stay ahead of evolving threats.
The CRA sets a new cybersecurity standard worldwide. Non-EU manufacturers must comply to access the European market, pushing global companies to adopt similar security frameworks.
Businesses that align early with CRA standards will:
• Gain a competitive edge in the EU market.
• Build stronger consumer trust with high-security products.
• Future-proof their cybersecurity and compliance strategies.
As a response to the EU Cyber Resilience Act, MicroSec offers automated compliance solutions that assess your cybersecurity readiness, identify gaps, and streamline regulatory alignment. If you are a manufacturer, importer, or distributor of digital products, contact us at info@usec.io to ensure your products meet CRA standards and stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity regulations.