Securing Wireless Products in the Digital Age
Wireless Product Security and Complying with the Radio Equipment Directive
In today's interconnected world, where wireless technologies play a vital role in multiple industries, the assurance of security and compliance for these products has never been more imperative.
Wireless devices have become indispensable in our daily lives, facilitating seamless communication, data transfer, and connectivity. However, as reliance on wireless technologies continues to grow, so do the associated risks of inadequate product security. It is essential to prioritize the implementation of robust security measures to safeguard sensitive information, maintain trust, and mitigate potential threats.
In this newsletter, we will delve into the significance of wireless product security and emphasize the pivotal role of compliance with the Radio Equipment Directive (RED) in achieving it. Our objective is to provide you with valuable insights and actionable steps to enhance the security of your wireless products while ensuring regulatory compliance. By doing so, you can bolster customer confidence and strengthen your market competitiveness.
Navigating the Radio Equipment Directive (RED)
Ensuring Compliance in the Wireless World
The emergence of Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and NFC has resulted in a significant rise in connected devices that exhibit the characteristics of radio equipment. To ensure compliance with the directive, these products must undergo a comprehensive conformity assessment procedure, encompassing rigorous testing and evaluation based on relevant harmonized standards and technical specifications.
The Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU (RED) establishes a legal framework for radio equipment by laying down essential electromagnetic compatibility, safety, health, and radio spectrum efficiency standards. By doing so, this directive aims to fortify cybersecurity, personal data protection, and fraud prevention concerning wireless devices available within the European Union market.
On Jan. 12, 2022, the European Union published delegated act 2022/30/EU, enforcing cybersecurity compliance requirements to RED Article 3.3(d), (e), and (f). The regulation requires cybersecurity, personal data privacy, and fraud protection for applicable wireless devices available on the EU market (see figure). It took effect on 1st February 2022, and becomes mandatory on 1st August 2024, giving device manufacturers a 42-month transition period.
At CCLab, we understand the challenges businesses face when meeting regulatory standards and ensuring the safety and reliability of radio equipment. Our team of experts specializes in assisting companies across various industries in achieving compliance with the RED directive, facilitating the expeditions and efficient entry of their radio equipment products into the market. CCLab provides comprehensive services and resources designed to guide businesses through the intricate requirements of the RED directive with utmost ease and confidence.
Blog
Wireless security risk: The importance of Bluetooth devices’ Common Criteria certification
6
min reading time
In parallel with the explosive development of digitalization and online work, worrisome statistics regarding cyberattacks are expanding yearly. The outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 significantly increased the wireless security risk and contributed even more to the success of cybercriminals, as many companies had to switch to the home office or hybrid work model almost overnight without any preparation.
How to protect your business' Industrial Control Systems?
7
min reading time
Did you know that in the first half of 2021, 33.8% of Industrial Control Systems’ (ICS) computers were attacked, which is 0.4% points (p.p.) higher than in H2 2020? This means that only in the first 6 months of last year, over one-third of ICSs suffered some kind of cyber attack in the world.
Wireless security risk: The importance of Bluetooth devices’ Common Criteria certification
6
min reading time
In parallel with the explosive development of digitalization and online work, worrisome statistics regarding cyberattacks are expanding yearly. The outbreak of the pandemic in 2020 significantly increased the wireless security risk and contributed even more to the success of cybercriminals, as many companies had to switch to the home office or hybrid work model almost overnight without any preparation.
How to protect your business' Industrial Control Systems?
7
min reading time
Did you know that in the first half of 2021, 33.8% of Industrial Control Systems’ (ICS) computers were attacked, which is 0.4% points (p.p.) higher than in H2 2020? This means that only in the first 6 months of last year, over one-third of ICSs suffered some kind of cyber attack in the world.
Interview with Ferenc Molnár CEO of CCLab about the importance of RED Directive
Through the eyes of an expert on cybersecurity challenges of radio equipment
In the ever-evolving digital landscape, where technology intertwines with our daily lives, the importance of cybersecurity cannot be understated. In this insightful interview, Ferenc Molnár, founder and CEO of CCLab discusses the critical importance of wireless device cybersecurity in today's digital landscape. The interview provides valuable insights into the importance of collective efforts in safeguarding our digital world and also delves into the upcoming regulatory changes, specifically the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), introduced by the European Union (EU).
Read the interview and learn about the CCLab founder's thoughts on the latest updates in relation to RED and the challenges and opportunities surrounding wireless device cybersecurity.
Watch this video now!
Interested? Check out the details and the package offers now.
Electrical safety (LVD) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) testing at QIMA Group
As we previously reported, CCLab joined the QIMA Group at the end of 2022. QIMA Group is a leading quality control and supply chain compliance solutions provider. The company offers a range of services to help businesses ensure product quality, safety, and compliance with regulations throughout their supply chains. QIMA's strong laboratory experience ensures consistent test methods, results, and service quality across laboratories, and provides industry-leading turnaround times for audits, testing, and inspections at 6 in-house laboratories and facilities in 95 countries. Thanks to highly skilled professionals and continuous testing capacity, QIMA can perform, among other things, the electrical safety (LVD) and electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) tests required for RED compliance.
Low Voltage Directive (LVD)
The LVD applies to various electrical products, including household appliances, consumer electronics, power tools, lighting equipment, and industrial machinery. The main objective of the LVD is to protect users and ensure that electrical equipment placed on the market is safe for use. It sets out essential safety requirements for manufacturers before placing their products on the European Union (EU) market.
QIMA's accredited laboratories offer electrical safety tests as per International and national standards for various product categories such as HOUS, LITE, and ITAV, ensuring that they meet the quality and safety standards of your destination market. QIMA also offers certification for your products, which allows you to demonstrate superior product quality and safety to your consumers. Certification service options include GS Mark and GS Certification, IECEE CB Certification, and in-house/fit-for-use quality and inspection marks.
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC)
EMC addresses the potential interference or disturbance that can occur when multiple devices or systems share the same electromagnetic environment. This interference can lead to malfunctions, data corruption, signal degradation, or even complete system failure. Therefore, EMC standards and regulations are in place to mitigate and control these electromagnetic disturbances. EMC is crucial in various industries, including telecommunications, automotive, aerospace, medical devices, consumer electronics, and industrial equipment.
QIMA is performing tests according to EN, IEC, CISPR, and ETSI Standards for electronic devices to ensure that electrical and electronic equipment can function properly and coexist without negatively impacting each other's performance.
Read more about QIMA's electrical and electronic testing solutions here:
Do you need support to get prepared before the upcoming deadline?
As consumer IoT devices and certain types of ICS equipment may fall under the scope of the RED, adherence to relevant cybersecurity standards and practices is essential for compliance. CCLab is ready to help you comply with the existing cybersecurity standards that are likely to be the basis for the future harmonized standards of the RED Delegated Act, such as
> IoT cybersecurity standard ETSI EN 303 645
> ISA/IEC 62443-4-2 standard for Industrial Control System Cybersecurity
We provide consultation services, training, and organizing hackathons for manufacturers who would like to get prepared right in time. We are already providing actual testing services for both Consumer IoT devices and Industrial IoT components that comply with the RED directive. Our testing services will be enhanced in a short term to accelerate and maximize the efficiency of these projects for those companies that has a wide range of products that need to be tested against baseline cybersecurity requirements for instance. After the successful evaluation, a statement of conformity or certification will be provided as evidence. Together with our partners within QIMA Group, we are offering a one-stop-shop solution to responsible manufacturers.