MEPs Unite in Support of Cyber Resilience Act to Enhance Digital Product Security
Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) backed a plan to boost the cybersecurity of digital products in the European Union on July 19, 2023. The plan, known as the Cyber Resilience Act, establishes a uniform set of cybersecurity requirements for all digital products sold in the EU. This includes products such as smartphones, laptops, smart home devices, and industrial control systems.
The act also require manufacturers to provide clear information about the security features of their products and to fix vulnerabilities in a timely manner. "The Cyber Resilience Act is a major step forward in protecting European citizens and businesses from cyber threats," said lead MEP Nicola Danti (Renew, IT). "By setting common cybersecurity standards for all digital products, we can make sure that our products are more secure and that we are better prepared for future attacks."
The Cyber Resilience Act is still under negotiation, but MEPs are hopeful that it will be adopted by the European Parliament and the Council of the European Union in the coming months.
The act is part of the European Union's Digital Strategy, which aims to make the EU the most competitive and innovative digital economy in the world. The strategy also includes plans to invest in cybersecurity research and education, and to create a European Cybersecurity Agency.
Vital Parts of the Cyber Resilience Act
- "Security through design" approach promoted: Legislation emphasizes integrating cybersecurity into digital goods during production.
- Timely security updates mandated: Manufacturers required to promptly release fixes for device vulnerabilities, ensuring customer protection against online threats.
- Incident reporting obligations outlined: Security events and breaches must be quickly reported to authorities and customers, reducing the impact of cyber incidents.
- Stricter penalties proposed: Non-compliance with cybersecurity regulations could lead to substantial fines and legal repercussions for manufacturers.
- Independent security testing encouraged: Digital products can undergo third-party evaluations to verify security measures, ensuring compliance and identifying overlooked weaknesses.
The Cyber Resilience Act is a significant piece of legislation that could have a major impact on the security of digital products in the EU. If adopted, the act would help to ensure that all digital products sold in the EU meet a minimum level of security, and that manufacturers are held accountable for the security of their products. This would be a major step forward in protecting European citizens and businesses from cyber threats.
In addition to the Cyber Resilience Act, the European Union is also taking other steps to improve cybersecurity. For example, the EU is investing in cybersecurity research and education, and it is creating a European Cybersecurity Agency. These initiatives will help to ensure that the EU has the resources and expertise it needs to combat cyber threats.
Source:
