Why Cybersecurity Is Becoming an Important Part of Telecom Market Access
- Nano Regulatory Team
- Jul 6
- 4 min read
For a long time, telecom type approval was mainly about making sure a device worked properly and safely.
Manufacturers needed to prove that their products met requirements for radio frequency (RF), electromagnetic compatibility (EMC), electrical safety, and other technical standards before they could be sold in a country.
Today, regulators are asking an additional question:
"Is the device secure enough to be connected to the internet?"
This change is happening because more devices than ever are connected to networks. From home routers and smart cameras to industrial IoT sensors and smart appliances, connected devices have become part of everyday life.
As a result, cybersecurity is becoming an increasingly important part of the regulatory compliance and market access landscape.
Why Are Regulators Focusing on Cybersecurity?
Imagine buying a new smart device for your home.
It connects to your Wi-Fi, stores information, receives updates, and communicates with other devices.
Now imagine that device has a weak password, outdated software, or no security protections.
A hacker may be able to access the device, steal information, or even use it to attack other systems.
This is why regulators are paying more attention to cybersecurity.
Some of the most common security risks include:
Weak or default passwords
Insecure software updates
Poor authentication systems
Unprotected user information
Software vulnerabilities that are never fixed
When millions of connected devices have these weaknesses, the impact can go far beyond a single user.
Cybersecurity Is Becoming a Compliance Requirement
In the past, cybersecurity was often seen as something manufacturers could add later.
Today, an increasing number of regulators either require or strongly encourage manufacturers to consider cybersecurity from the beginning of product development
Around the world, new regulations and initiatives are introducing cybersecurity expectations for connected products.
Region | Cybersecurity Initiative | Primary Focus Area |
Singapore | Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) | Security requirements for consumer IoT products and routers |
European Union | Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) | Cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements |
United Kingdom | PSTI Regime | Basic security requirements for connected consumer products |
United States | Cyber Trust Mark | Cybersecurity labeling for consumer IoT devices |
Although these programs are different, they all share a common goal:
Making connected devices safer and more secure.
Singapore: Stronger Security for Home Routers
Singapore has been among the early adopters of regulatory cybersecurity initiatives for consumer IoT devices.
Through the Cyber Security Agency (CSA) and IMDA, the country introduced the Cybersecurity Labelling Scheme (CLS) to help improve the security of consumer IoT products.
More recently, Singapore has also consulted on enhanced cybersecurity requirements for Residential Gateways through a public consultation on Draft TS RG-SEC Issue 2. .
The proposed requirements focus on areas such as:
Stronger passwords
Better authentication
Secure firmware updates
Credential protection
Data security
For manufacturers, this shows that cybersecurity expectations are becoming more detailed as connected devices become more common.
Europe: Security Throughout the Product's Life
The European Union has taken a broader approach through the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA).
The CRA focuses on products with digital elements and establishes mandatory cybersecurity requirements for products with digital elements throughout their lifecycle
This means considering security during:
Product design
Development
Testing
Vulnerability management
Software updates
Product maintenance
Instead of focusing only on the day a product enters the market, regulators are increasingly interested in how products remain secure over time.
The UK and the United States Are Moving in the Same Direction
The United Kingdom's Product Security and Telecommunications Infrastructure (PSTI) regime introduced basic security requirements for many consumer-connected products.
Some of the key principles include:
No universal default passwords
Clear information about security updates
Processes for reporting vulnerabilities
The United States has established the U.S. Cyber Trust Mark program, a voluntary cybersecurity labeling initiative for eligible consumer IoT products administered by the FCC The approaches may differ, but the message is similar:
Cybersecurity is becoming an important part of product compliance.
What Does This Mean for Manufacturers?
Manufacturers do not need to become cybersecurity experts overnight.
However, they should understand that security is becoming an important consideration alongside traditional compliance requirements.
Products may increasingly need to demonstrate:
Strong user authentication
Secure password management
Secure software and firmware updates
Vulnerability handling processes
Protection of sensitive information
Ongoing security support
The exact requirements will vary depending on the country and product type, but the overall direction is clear.
How Does This Affect Telecom Type Approval?
In many countries, traditional telecom type approval continues to focus on RF performance, EMC, and safety. However, cybersecurity requirements are increasingly being introduced alongside these approval processes or through separate regulatory frameworks. As a result, manufacturers preparing products for global markets should consider both telecom compliance and cybersecurity requirements early in product development to avoid delays during market entry.
Why This Matters for Market Access
Many manufacturers address compliance late in the product development cycle, when design changes can be costly and time-consuming. By considering cybersecurity earlier, companies can reduce compliance risks, avoid delays, improve customer confidence, and prepare for evolving regulatory requirements.
While telecom type approval has traditionally focused on RF, EMC, and safety, an increasing number of regulators now expect connected devices to incorporate appropriate cybersecurity measures. As a result, cybersecurity is becoming an important consideration for manufacturers seeking smooth and efficient access to global markets.
Need Support?
Keeping up with telecom type approval regulations and market access rules across different countries can be challenging, especially as requirements continue to evolve.
At Nano Technology Solutions, we help manufacturers navigate global compliance requirements, telecom type approval processes, and regulatory changes across multiple markets.
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