Experts Mirko Boehm, Mike Milinkovich, and Sebastian Wolf discuss the EU Cyber Resilience Act's impact on open source software and technology regulations in the European market. Topics include secure software development, supply chain security, and the alignment of industry interests with open source communities under the CRA.
The Cyber Resilience Act establishes cybersecurity requirements for businesses and open source, impacting software development landscape.
Manufacturers are held liable for software cybersecurity throughout the product lifecycle, fostering collaboration between corporations and open source projects.
Implementation of the CRA requires harmonized standards for secure software development and engaging with external auditors for product authorization.
The CRA signifies a monumental shift in software regulation, emphasizing secure design, supply chain security, and proactive compliance measures.
Deep dives
Overview of the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
The Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) establishes essential cybersecurity requirements for businesses and open source communities operating in Europe. It sets out roles for manufacturers and open source software stewards, reshaping the software development landscape. The CRA's policy goals include reducing vulnerabilities in digital products, ensuring cybersecurity throughout the product lifecycle, and aiding consumers in informed decision-making. This horizontal regulation extends to all businesses operating in Europe regardless of location, aiming to lead in international cybersecurity standards.
Impact on Open Source and Industry Relationships
Initially designed to address cyber-physical devices' vulnerabilities, the CRA expanded to regulate pure software, marking a significant shift in industry oversight. The act holds manufacturers liable for software cybersecurity in their products throughout their lifecycle, bridging the gap between corporations and open source projects. This change incentivizes collaborative security efforts in upstream projects and benefits software sustainability.
Relevance of CRA to Open Source at SAP
CRA's effect on software development necessitates a strategic shift in open source adoption practices, especially at corporations like SAP. Open source foundations and corporate entities collaborate to improve the act, safeguarding open source ecosystems. The regulation's impact spans corporate responsibilities in managing software vulnerabilities and aligning with sustainable development standards.
Implementation Challenges and Future Considerations
Implementing CRA requires the development of harmonized standards for secure software development and supply chain security. Over the three-year phase-in period, manufacturers must adhere to these new standards and engage with external auditors for product authorization. The standards must reflect open source practices to ensure a smooth transition and compliance with the regulation.
Resource Recommendations for Further Information
For in-depth insights into CRA and related discussions, various resources provide valuable information. Blogs from industry experts like Martin Arsen from NLNet Labs and aggregated content on sites like the open source initiative offer comprehensive perspectives. Additionally, initiatives like FOSSDEM provide recorded sessions for ongoing updates and discussions on the legislative landscape.
Key Takeaways from the Podcast Episode
The CRA signifies a monumental shift in regulating the software industry, emphasizing secure design and supply chain security. Manufacturers face the obligation of extended support periods and collaboration with upstream projects for long-term viability. With a tight three-year implementation timeline, adapting to the CRA's requirements requires proactive and informed engagement.
Summary of Final Remarks and Next Steps
As the podcast concludes, a collective call to action underscores the importance of preparing for imminent changes under the CRA. Encouraging collaboration between manufacturers and open source projects, implementing secure development practices, and effectively navigating compliance complexities are essential steps ahead. Anticipating positive outcomes and industry resilience in the face of regulatory transformations is key.
What is Open Resource Discovery (ORD) and how can it be used and implemented inside SAP and beyond?
In this episode, host Karsten Hohage speaks with Simon Heimler (SAP) about Open Resource Discovery (ORD) – a protocol that allows applications and services to self-describe their exposed resources and capabilities. Simon explains in more detail what ORD is, how it’s used and where at SAP we already use ORD or plan to use it in the future. As the platform is an open standard by SAP geared towards the SAP ecosystem, how do we ensure a correct adoption of ORD at SAP? And how can it be helpful for individuals outside of SAP?
Guest:
Simon Heimler
Simon Heimler is a Software Architect at SAP and works on metadata standardization & strategy, Data Products, APIs and Event guidelines and integration topics. Before that, he has done full-stack development & architecture in various companies. He maintains a few private open source projects where time permits.