Cybersecurity is becoming a market access requirement in Europe. New regulations such as the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the NIS2 Directive are reshaping how industrial products are designed and how critical infrastructure operators manage cyber risk.
These frameworks are closely connected:
CRA ensures products are secure by design
NIS2 ensures operators manage cybersecurity risk
IEC 62443 provides the engineering framework to implement both
Belden helps manufacturers and operators navigate these evolving requirements.
Why these regulations matter
Cybersecurity Is becoming a requirement for the European market
Digital products are now deeply integrated into industrial operations, critical infrastructure, and everyday life. As connectivity increases, so does the potential attack surface.
Historically, many connected devices were developed without robust cybersecurity engineering practices. This has led to increasing pressure on regulators to introduce consistent security expectations for both products and operators.
The European Union is addressing this challenge through regulations such as:
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
The NIS2 Directive
Together, they aim to strengthen cybersecurity across the entire ecosystem—from the design of industrial products to the operation of critical infrastructure networks.
CRA introduces cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements, while NIS2 establishes obligations for organizations operating essential services.
These frameworks work together to raise cybersecurity standards across the entire supply chain.
Understanding the three pillars:
CRA, NIS2 and IEC 62443 — how they fit together
Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
Focus: product cybersecurity
The Cyber Resilience Act introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for hardware and software products with digital elements throughout their lifecycle—from design and development to maintenance and end of support.
CRA ensures that security becomes a built-in requirement for products placed on the EU market. Products that fail to meet essential cybersecurity requirements may not be sold in the European Union.
Key themes include:
Secure-by-design development
Vulnerability handling and disclosure
Lifecycle security updates
Technical documentation and transparency
NIS2 Directive
Focus: operational cybersecurity
The NIS2 Directive strengthens cybersecurity obligations for operators of critical infrastructure and essential services, including sectors such as:
Transportation
Energy
Manufacturing
Digital infrastructure
Organizations must implement risk management measures, improve incident reporting, and ensure the security of their supply chains.
IEC 62443
Focus: industrial cybersecurity standards
IEC 62443 is the internationally recognized standard for securing industrial automation and control systems.
It provides a srtructured framework for:
Secure development processes
Security requirements for industrial components
Defense-in-depth industrial architectures
IEC 62443 helps manufacturers and operators build the technical foundation needed to meet evolving cybersecurity expectations.
CRA white paper
Cyber Resilience Act Guide
The CRA white paper explains:
What the Cyber Resilience Act is
Who is affected
Key requirements manufacturers must understand
How IEC 62443 supports CRA readiness
Steps organizations should take now
It also explains how CRA complements NIS2 and why early preparation is essential for industrial manufacturers and operators.
NIS2 white paper
Your Guide to the NIS2 Directive
This white paper explains how organizations operating critical infrastructure can prepare for NIS2.
Topics include:
Risk management obligations
Incident reporting requirements
Supply chain security
Practical steps for implementation
IEC 62443 — the technical foundation
IEC 62443: a foundation for secure industrial systems
IEC 62443 provides a widely recognized engineering framework for securing industrial automation and control systems.
Many organizations use IEC 62443 to implement structured security practices across product development and system design.
Key elements include:
IEC 62443-4-1
Secure product development lifecycle
IEC 62443-4-2
Security requirements for industrial components
IEC 62443-3-3
System-level cybersecurity architecture
Using IEC 62443 helps manufacturers and operators implement security practices that align with modern regulatory expectations.
How Belden helps
Supporting customers through the cybersecurity transition
Belden combines secure product development practices, industrial networking expertise, and global engineering capabilities to support customers preparing for evolving cybersecurity regulations.
Our approach includes:
Secure product development lifecycles aligned with IEC 62443
Industrial networking solutions designed for long-term lifecycle support
Expertise in mission-critical infrastructure networks
Guidance for integrating secure products into resilient industrial architectures
By aligning development processes, product portfolios and lifecycle support strategies with modern cybersecurity expectations, Belden helps organizations prepare for CRA and NIS2.
Connect with our experts or register for our upcoming webinar to learn how European cybersecurity regulations are shaping industrial products and networks.
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