The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA):

Preparing Your Broadcast Systems for Compliance

The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act will reshape how connected technology is designed, supported, and maintained.

Here’s what broadcast and media teams need to know, and why the time to prepare is now.

The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) is coming, and while it was written for all products with digital elements, its impact reaches far beyond IT or consumer tech.

The CRA introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for both hardware and software, holding manufacturers responsible for keeping their products secure throughout their lifecycle.

That covers everything from design and testing to updates, documentation, and support.

For broadcast and media technology, this matters more than most realise.

From production systems to playout and content management, every connected tool fits the CRA definition.

Other industries are already preparing. Ours should be, too.

Why the CRA Exists

The CRA addresses two big problems: too many connected products still have weak cybersecurity, and users often don’t have the information they need to make secure choices.

The result has been costly. Cybercrime has been estimated to cost the global economy €5.5 trillion a year. Many manufacturers don’t consistently provide security updates, leaving vulnerabilities unpatched and users exposed.

The CRA changes that. It creates a single, consistent framework to ensure manufacturers build secure products and maintain them through their entire lifecycle. It’s designed to increase trust, transparency, and accountability across the digital market.

What It Means for You

Manufacturers and Vendors

You will need to integrate cybersecurity into every phase of development. The CRA requires documented risk management, vulnerability reporting, and a defined update process that supports each product for its expected lifecycle.

System Integrators

Every system you build must comply with the CRA. That means checking product conformity, managing supplier accountability, and maintaining visibility across every component and update.

Broadcasters and Media Organisations

You’ll gain transparency and stronger assurance from your technology partners, but the responsibility doesn’t stop there. You’ll need to understand your suppliers’ compliance status, track system updates, and maintain visibility across all deployed technology.

The CRA shares accountability across everyone involved in creating and operating connected systems, including broadcast.

Regulation enters into force

The CRA was adopted, introducing EU-wide cybersecurity requirements for digital products.

Reporting requirements begin

By September 2026, manufacturers must report any exploited vulnerabilities and security incidents to national authorities.

Compliance becomes mandatory

From December 2027, all products with digital elements sold in the EU must comply with the CRA, including lifecycle support, documentation, and CE marking.

Why Lifecycle Visibility Matters More Than Ever

The CRA makes one thing clear: cybersecurity is not a one-time action. It’s a lifecycle responsibility.

Manufacturers will now need to maintain products as long as they’re in use, delivering security updates and managing vulnerabilities throughout their supported period. Integrators and operators must keep visibility across every asset and version in their systems.

In broadcast and media, where technology estates are large, interconnected, and often long-serving, this shift hits close to home. Understanding your lifecycle, what’s in place, what’s performing, and what needs to change, isn’t just good practice anymore. It’s compliance.

Want to Learn More?

For teams who want to explore the full details behind the Cyber Resilience Act, the following official resources provide comprehensive background, timelines, and legislative documentation.