The amendment intends to “make sure that all wireless devices are safe before being sold on the EU market” by directing manufacturers to include cybersecurity safeguards during the design and production stages.
On Friday, the European Commission has adopted an amendment to the radio equipment directive to enhance cybersecurity requirements for wireless mobile devices.
The Commission said in a statement “Today, the Commission has taken action to improve the cybersecurity of wireless devices available on the European market. As mobile phones, smart watches, fitness trackers and wireless toys are more and more present in our everyday life, cyber threats pose a growing risk for every consumer,”
The amendment intends to “make sure that all wireless devices are safe before being sold on the EU market” by directing manufacturers to include cybersecurity safeguards during the design and production stages.
The new requirements, according to the European Commission, will help to protect citizens’ privacy and personal data, reduce risks of financial fraud, and improve the resilience of communication networks. On this aspect, manufacturers must now take precautions to prevent Internet service disruptions, restrict unauthorized access to personal data on wireless devices, and strengthen user authentication to reduce the risks of fraudulent electronic payments.
The new regulations will come into effect, if no objections are raised by the Council or the European Parliament within two months after the publication. Manufacturers will then have 30 months until 2024 to bring their products in line with the new regulations.
In this matter, the European Commission will provide assistance to manufacturers.