The European Union has drawn a line in the sand for the Internet of Things (IoT). As of August 1st, 2025, any connected device operating through radio technology — from smartphones and wearables to children’s toys and payment systems — must meet new cybersecurity standards to be sold in the single market.
These rules, anchored in the harmonized standard EN 18031 and formally recognized by the European Commission, aim to address a long-standing problem: the flood of connected devices with little or no built-in security, making them an attractive target for cybercriminals.
A New Era for IoT Security
The update is part of the EU’s broader commitment to consumer and corporate protection against digital threats. By updating its official list of harmonized standards under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED), the Commission ensures that critical categories of devices are no longer allowed to enter the market without adequate safeguards.
Among the categories covered are:
- IoT devices connected to the Internet
- Children’s connected toys and smart gadgets
- Wearables and portable devices
- Equipment handling digital payments or monetary value
To obtain the CE marking — the indispensable green light for commercialization in the EU — manufacturers and distributors will need to demonstrate compliance with the three pillars of EN 18031.
The Three Pillars of Compliance
Under the new rules, all devices must provide:
- Network protection — avoiding risks to telecom networks and preventing excessive consumption of resources.
- Privacy assurance — safeguarding personal data, in alignment with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).
- Fraud prevention — implementing mechanisms to block unauthorized access and manipulation.
These are not box-ticking exercises. The European Commission has stressed that simple compliance statements will not be enough if key safeguards — such as robust authentication systems or parental controls in children’s devices — are missing. Payment-related equipment, in particular, will require reinforced protections, going beyond single-factor authentication or generic software updates.
A Market Under Pressure
The implications are significant for an industry already worth more than $600 billion annually, with projections surpassing $4 trillion by 2032. The sheer volume of devices in circulation — from smart home assistants to connected coffee machines — makes IoT one of the largest potential entry points for cyberattacks worldwide.
“The reality is that even the simplest device can become a backdoor for attackers if not secured”, warns experts across the industry. The EU’s decision highlights the urgent need for security by design, forcing manufacturers to rethink product development at the earliest stages.
Where RELIANOID Fits In
While these new rules focus primarily on consumer and business devices, they underscore a broader truth: every connected endpoint depends on secure, resilient infrastructure. This is where RELIANOID brings value. Just like the IoT devices that now require protection, enterprise infrastructures must guarantee privacy, fraud prevention, and network integrity.
As an open-source company, RELIANOID delivers advanced solutions in load balancing, proxies, and application delivery that align perfectly with the EU’s goals: securing communication flows, preventing unauthorized access, and ensuring continuity even in high-demand environments. Our team of skilled engineers helps organizations build digital ecosystems where IoT and enterprise systems coexist safely, strengthening the chain from device to data center.
Looking Ahead
The countdown to compliance has started. For manufacturers and distributors, these new obligations are not only a regulatory burden but also an opportunity to differentiate through trust and reliability. For consumers, the promise is simple: devices that respect privacy, resist fraud, and no longer expose networks to unnecessary risks.
The EU’s move may mark a turning point where cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought but a mandatory cornerstone of digital life. And as billions more devices come online, the stakes could not be higher.
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