The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is setting a new, higher bar for connected device security and IoT cybersecurity compliance.
This isn’t just another cybersecurity regulatory update – it marks a fundamental shift in how manufacturers, distributors, importers, and software providers must approach product lifecycle cybersecurity and EU cybersecurity regulations.
Keyfactor’s new eBook, Built for Trust: Navigating the Cyber Resilience Act, explores the cybersecurity requirements and compliance strategies for doing business in our increasingly connected world. It dives into practical steps that IoT and embedded device makers need to take now to achieve CRA compliance.
What Is the Cyber Resilience Act?
The Cyber Resilience Act is the European Union’s first law that sets mandatory cybersecurity rules for any product with digital components (PDEs), whether developed inside or outside the EU, that is sold within its borders.
Key Cyber Resilience Act compliance dates to know:
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Effective Date: December 11, 2024
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Vulnerability Reporting Starts: September 11, 2026
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Full Enforcement: December 11, 2027
That means organizations have limited time to assess, plan, and implement CRA-aligned cybersecurity controls before facing real penalties, including fines up to €15 million or 2.5% of global turnover, product delays, or even loss of EU market access. The CRA introduces unique obligations around secure design, disclosure timelines, and cryptographic integrity, and the work to meet them needs to start now, not later.
Why CRA Preparation Can’t Wait
Security is no longer a post-release fix. Under the CRA, it becomes a continuous responsibility – spanning from development to decommissioning. Early adopters benefit from:
- Clear supply chain visibility
- Lower costs through upfront planning
- Improved product trust and market access
CRA compliance starts with cryptographic trust. That means proving that a device is secure from the ground up. But you’re not alone – Keyfactor is here to help. From provisioning to lifecycle management, our platform supports CRA-aligned solutions.
Build Your Compliance Roadmap
With full enforcement just a few years away, your roadmap to CRA compliance should already be underway.
Start with:
- Mapping CRA applicability across your product SKUs
- Classifying products as General, Important, or Critical
- Performing a gap analysis on cryptography, update mechanisms, and identity provisioning
Then, begin implementing foundational security measures like:
- Secure boot
- Certificate-based firmware signing
- Supply chain-integrated identity
- Time-bound SSH access
- Automated certificate renewal
These aren’t just compliance tactics: they’re critical upgrades to the resilience and credibility of your product line!
Understand Cryptography’s Role in IoT Security (Plus PQC)
Cryptography underpins secure connected devices: SSL/TLS protects data in transit, PKI verifies device identities, and code signing ensures software authenticity. Strong encryption keeps IoT products safe from hackers.
But quantum computing threatens many current encryption methods. Since IoT devices often remain in use for a decade or more, their data must stay secure long-term. Preparing for post-quantum cryptography (PQC) now helps manufacturers stay ahead of emerging threats and regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act.
Understanding terms like SSL, PKI, and PQC is essential for anyone serious about secure, compliant connected products.
Takeaway: Don’t Wait Until 2027
The CRA’s message is clear: If it connects, it must be secure.
By the time CRA enforcement begins in 2027, the work will need to be done. The manufacturers that act early won’t just be compliant — they’ll be leaders in product trust and digital resilience.
Now is the time to bake security into your products – not bolt it on after.
Download our eBook today to get your free step-by-step CRA compliance roadmap. Don’t risk falling behind. Secure your connected products and protect your business now.
Download the new eBook:
👉 Built for Trust: Navigating the Cyber Resilience Act
Have questions about what the CRA means for your business? Keyfactor can help!
