The Startup Challenge
Startups often lack dedicated security teams, making the CRA seem daunting. However, most software products fall under the "Default" category (not listed in Annex III or IV), which allows self-assessment using Module A (Article 32(1)).
How to Comply Without Blocking Ship Velocity
- Integrate early: Add SBOM generation to your GitHub Actions. It takes 10 lines of YAML and satisfies a huge requirement automatically.
- Rethink Defaults: Change your boilerplate configurations. Enforce HTTPS, disable root SSH by default, and don't ship admin/admin passwords.
- Use the SME provisions: The CRA provides support measures for microenterprises and small enterprises (Article 33) and exempts them from administrative fines for missing the Article 14(2)(a) / 14(4)(a) early-warning deadline (Article 64(10)(a)).
Funding and Valuation Protection
CRA readiness may come up in investor due diligence and enterprise procurement; it is not itself a funding requirement.
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