The text discusses the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA), a forthcoming regulation in Europe that will mandate stringent security standards for all digital products. The Open Source community is supportive of the focus on security but is faced with the challenge of navigating the complexities of the CRA. The text includes a transcript from a session at OW2Con, where a panel of experts delved into the importance of compliance and standardization related to the CRA. The panelists emphasize the need for genuine involvement from Open Source stakeholders in shaping the regulations. They highlight the impact of European regulations on the Open Source community, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the upcoming Product Liability Directive. The text also discusses the efforts of organizations like CNLL and APELL in supporting businesses in dealing with the CRA and the importance of including Open Source expertise in the creation of harmonized standards. Overall, the text advocates for improved coordination, engagement, and representation of Open Source perspectives in the regulatory processes related to the CRA.
| Signal | Change | 10y horizon | Driving force |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Cyber Resilience Act will mandate security standards for digital products. | Implementation of stringent security standards | More secure digital products, increased compliance efforts | Increasing concerns about cybersecurity and data protection |
| The Open Source community is engaging in discussions about the Cyber Resilience Act. | Involvement of Open Source community in regulatory discussions | Open Source community actively contributes to regulations, improved coordination with regulatory bodies | Recognition of the importance and impact of Open Source software |
| Compliance with the Cyber Resilience Act presents challenges. | Challenge in navigating complex regulations | Improved understanding and guidance on compliance, streamlined processes | Need for clear guidelines and support in compliance efforts |
| Open Source organizations are setting up working groups to help companies navigate the Cyber Resilience Act. | Support for companies in complying with regulations | Increased support and resources for companies navigating compliance, reduced development costs | Collaboration and support within the Open Source community |
| Standards organizations lack Open Source expertise in creating harmonized standards for the Cyber Resilience Act. | Need for Open Source expertise in standardization processes | Open Source community actively engages in standardization, representation in the development of standards | Recognition of the importance of Open Source expertise in cybersecurity |
| Improved coordination and strategy are needed for effective engagement with regulatory processes. | Need for better coordination and strategy in engaging with regulations | Enhanced coordination and strategy in engaging with regulations, coherent and impactful efforts | Improved understanding and organization within the Open Source community |
| The Open Source community is working on developing specifications for managing cybersecurity in the open-source supply chain. | Development of specifications for cybersecurity in open-source supply chain | Enhanced cybersecurity measures in open-source supply chain, consideration of open-source needs in standards | Focus on improving cybersecurity in the open-source ecosystem |
| OW2 is exploring ways to provide CRA-compliant stewardship services to its members. | Exploration of providing CRA-compliant services | Increased availability of CRA-compliant stewardship services, potential solution for SMEs | Addressing the needs of SMEs under the CRA |
| Continued collaboration and coordination efforts are encouraged within the Open Source community. | Emphasis on collaboration and coordination within the community | Strengthened collaboration and coordination, better representation of community needs | Recognition of the importance of collective efforts in regulatory processes |