Summary

The EU Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) outlines specific obligations for open-source software stewards to enhance cybersecurity and ensure compliance. These obligations emphasize transparency, security, and collaboration within the open-source community.

Relevant CRA Provisions

• Recitals (17), (18), (19), (20), (21), (61)
• Articles 9, 24, 25

Detailed Explanation

The CRA recognizes the unique role of open-source software stewards and communities in fostering secure software development. Open-source software stewards are required to establish and document a cybersecurity policy that promotes secure product development and effective vulnerability management. This policy should encourage voluntary reporting of vulnerabilities and facilitate information sharing within the open-source community. Stewards must also cooperate with market surveillance authorities to mitigate cybersecurity risks and provide necessary documentation upon request.

Additionally, the CRA mandates stakeholder consultation to ensure that the implementation of the regulation considers the views of various stakeholders, including the open-source software community. The Commission is empowered to create voluntary security attestation programs to help manufacturers integrate free and open-source software components securely into their products.

Obligations for Stakeholders

• Open-source software stewards: Must establish a verifiable cybersecurity policy, cooperate with market surveillance authorities, and provide necessary documentation upon request.
• Open-source communities: Encouraged to participate in security attestation programs and contribute to the secure development and maintenance of free and open-source software.
• Manufacturers: Should consider using voluntary security attestation programs to ensure the integration of secure free and open-source software components into their products.