Digital signage is everywhere you look these days. From data dashboards to corporate communication boards, it helps businesses share information quickly and effectively. What many don’t realize, however, is that at the end of the day, digital screens are just computers connected to a network. Just like your office laptops or servers, they can become targets for cyberattacks if they are not properly secured. This is a big deal, especially with new regulations like the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) on the horizon.
What is the EU’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)?
The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act is a new set of rules designed to make all digital products safer. Think of it as a commitment from product makers to build security into their devices from the very beginning, and to keep them secure throughout their lifespan. The CRA has a few main goals: it wants to ensure that products are designed with security in mind, that companies have clear ways to handle and fix security vulnerabilities, and that there’s more transparency about how secure these products actually are. It applies to both the hardware you use and the software that runs on it, covering everything from smart home devices to, yes, digital signage players.
Your digital signage is a PDE
You might think of your digital signage as just a screen displaying content, but the CRA sees it differently. It considers a digital signage player a “product with digital elements” (PDE), because it connects to a network and uses software to function. This means it falls squarely under the new CRA regulations.
Why does this matter? Well, an insecure digital signage player isn’t just a minor inconvenience; it can pose significant risks. Imagine hackers displaying inappropriate messages on your public screens, damaging your brand’s reputation. Or, worse, they could use an unsecured player as a door into your entire company network, potentially stealing sensitive data or disrupting your operations. The digital signage industry has seen cases where compromised devices are used to launch large-scale cyberattacks, entirely without the owner’s knowledge. The CRA aims to prevent these scenarios by setting a high standard for security and maintaining it throughout a product’s lifespan.
What to ask your digital signage provider
Given these new rules, it’s crucial to be proactive. If you’re currently using digital signage or planning to, you should ask your provider some important questions to ensure you’re choosing a secure solution that aligns with the spirit of the CRA.
First, inquire about their security update process. How often are updates released, and are they automatically applied to your devices? A good provider will have a robust system to deliver security patches quickly and seamlessly, protecting your players from newly discovered threats.
Next, ask about “security by design.” This means understanding how security is built into the product from the ground up. Does the player’s operating system only include what’s essential, reducing potential weak points? Is all communication between the player and the digital signage management software encrypted? Read more about Screenly’s participation in CISA’s Secure by Design standards here.
You should also investigate how they secure both the physical device and its software. Does the system prevent unauthorized applications from being installed on your players? Are there strong access controls, like multi-factor authentication and role-based permissions, within the content management system to ensure only approved individuals can make changes?
Finally, transparency is key under the CRA. Ask your provider about their policy on vulnerability disclosure. Do they have a clear process for reporting and addressing security issues? How will they inform you if a vulnerability is found that could affect your digital signage?
Future-proofing your digital signage strategy
The EU’s Cyber Resilience Act signals a clear message: cybersecurity can no longer be an afterthought. It’s a fundamental requirement for any connected product, including digital signage and digital signage players. Businesses must now prioritize security when choosing their digital signage solutions, looking beyond just features and price. By asking the right questions and partnering with providers who take security seriously, you can protect your business, your data, and your reputation.
At Screenly, we understand the critical importance of security in today’s interconnected world. We are committed to providing a robust and reliable digital signage platform that you can trust, and you can read more about Screenly’s commitment to digital signage security here.
Ready to see how secure digital signage can work for you? Take the first step towards a more secure and reliable digital signage experience and sign up today for a free 14-day trial.
