Cybersecurity Certification
Introduction to Cybersecurity Certifications
Cybersecurity certifications are formal attestations that a product, service, or organization meets specific security standards. These certifications are increasingly critical in today’s digital economy, especially with the rise of EU regulations such as:
- Cybersecurity Act (CSA) – Establishes a framework for EU-wide cybersecurity certification schemes.
- Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) – Introduces mandatory cybersecurity requirements for digital products.
- NIS2 Directive – Expands obligations for essential and important entities to manage cybersecurity risks.
Why it matters:
- Builds trust with customers and partners.
- Ensures compliance with EU and international regulations.
- Reduces risk of cyber incidents and data breaches.
- Enhances market access across the EU.
This research area is centered on certification readiness, regulatory compliance, and capacity building for both public and private sector stakeholders. This area is driven by two flagship initiatives—TrustBoost and EU Cyber Cert Ready—and is supported by the university’s innovation hub, the Collaboratory.
TrustBoost: Building a Unified Certification Ecosystem
Project Overview
TrustBoost is a €3.17M EU-funded initiative under the Digital Europe Programme. TU Dublin, through its innovation hub the Collaboratory, is a core partner
Key Goals
- Harmonize cybersecurity certification across EU member states.
- Develop a SaaS platform for managing digital product conformity.
- Reduce redundant certification costs by 30%.
Activities
- Training on EU Common Criteria and legislation (NIS2, CRA, CSA)
- Stakeholder engagement and capability development
- Collaboration with national and EU-level authorities
Contributors: Dr Bahareh Pahlevanzadeh, Abdiaziz Abdi, Dr Hajar Bennouri, Khalimatou Samirah
EU Cyber Cert Ready: Preparing Irish SMEs for Compliance
Project Focus
Led by TU Dublin’s School of Informatics and Cybersecurity, this research investigates how SMEs can prepare for upcoming EU cybersecurity certification requirements
Objectives
- Assess SME readiness for EU certification schemes.
- Identify gaps and develop readiness frameworks.
- Create self-assessment tools and training modules
- Methodology
- Surveys, interviews, and workshops with SMEs and certifiers.
- Peer-reviewed validation and ethical oversight
Contributors: Dr Bahareh Pahlevanzadeh, Dr Dympna O'Sullivan, Dr George O’Mahony, Khalimatou Samirah