Tag: Cybersecurity

  • Renesas Achieves PSA Certification with CRA Compliance

    Renesas Achieves PSA Certification with CRA Compliance

    TOKYO, Japan, Feb 28, 2025 – Renesas Electronics Corp. announced that it has obtained PSA Certified Level 1 certification with the European Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) compliance extension for three of its latest microcontroller Groups (MCUs). The certification, evaluated by Applus+ Laboratories, marks a significant step in Renesas‘ commitment to cybersecurity and compliance with upcoming European regulations.

    The certified RA4L1 MCU Group features low power, 32-bit microcontrollers (MCUs) based on the Arm Cortex-M33 (CM33) core with Arm TrustZone technology, delivering an ideal balance of low voltage operation, low power consumption and high performance. The integrated low power features, advanced security engines, and communication interfaces make the devices ideal for industrial automation, home appliances, smart home, consumer, building/home automation and medical/healthcare applications. 

    The certified RA8E1 and RA8E2 MCU Groups, both based on the Arm Cortex-M85 (CM85) architecture, are designed for a wide range of applications including industrial automation, home appliances, smart home systems, and medical devices. The RA8E1 MCU Group features Arm Helium technology for Vision and Voice AI applications, while the RA8E2 MCU Group incorporates a Graphics LCD for advanced Human-Machine Interface (HMI) solutions.

    PSA Certified has introduced an extension to its Level 1 certification that addresses the compliance requirements of the upcoming European Cyber Resilience Act. The new regulation, set to become mandatory in December 2027, will apply to a broad spectrum of digital products.

    “We’re proud to be at the forefront of IoT security,” said Daryl Khoo, vice president of the embedded processing marketing division at Renesas. “Achieving PSA Certified Level 1 with the CRA compliance extension demonstrates our commitment to providing our customers with secure, future-proof solutions.”

    “With the continued adoption of edge AI devices across all markets and new government regulations coming into effect, security must be prioritized to ensure trusted AI deployment, protecting both businesses and consumers,” said David Maidment, senior director, market strategy at Arm. “Initiatives like PSA Certified are fundamental to driving robust device security and we congratulate Renesas on these new certifications which showcase security leadership in the age of AI.”

    Jose Ruiz, cybersecurity BU director at Applus+ Laboratories, added, “We are committed to providing cybersecurity evaluation solutions that boost market trust and help vendors comply with regulatory requirements. Reducing fragmentation in cybersecurity certification is key, and we welcome PSA Certified’s efforts to align with other private schemes as well as governmental requirements.”

    PSA Certified Level 1 provides extra extensions to meet the European RED directive and the UK PSTI regulation. These apply to connected and IoT products, adding value for manufacturers to achieve global security standards. Renesas has also earned PSA Certified Level 3 RoT Component certification for the RA8D1, RA8M1, and RA8T1 MCU Groups. This shows Renesas’ commitment to security, including physical protections for the Root of Trust.

    About Renesas Electronics Corp.

    Renesas Electronics Corp. is a Japanese semiconductor manufacturer headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. The company specializes in research, development, design, manufacture, sale, and servicing semiconductor products. Renesas offers a portfolio that includes microcontrollers, analog products, power devices, and system-on-chip (SoC) solutions. The products serve various industries, notably automotive, industrial, infrastructure, and Internet of Things (IoT) sectors. As of Dec. 31, 2024, Renesas employs approximately 21,204 individuals worldwide. In the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024, Renesas reported revenue of approximately ¥1,348.5 billion, while the company’s operating profit for the same period was approximately ¥223.0 billion.

    About the Applus+ Group

    Applus+ Group, founded in 1996, is a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification services, headquartered in Madrid, Spain. The company offers a range of solutions, including non-destructive testing, quality control, project management, supplier and facility inspection, asset certification, and integrity services. Applus+ serves diverse industries such as energy, automotive, aerospace, construction, and telecommunications. With a presence in over 65 countries and a workforce exceeding 25,000 employees, the company reported revenues of €2.049 billion in 2022. Applus+ operates through several divisions, including Energy & Industry, Laboratories, Automotive, and IDIADA, providing specialized services like statutory vehicle inspections, product testing, system certification, and automotive engineering solutions.

  • Michael Baker Merges Akela into Sustainable, Resilient Solutions Vertical

    Michael Baker Merges Akela into Sustainable, Resilient Solutions Vertical

    To address traffic and safety concerns in Richmond Township, Berks County, Pennsylvania, Michael Baker provided preliminary and final highway design, post-design and environmental services for the S.R. 0222, Section 19S roundabout. Image: Michael Baker International.

    PITTSBURGH, PA, Jan 7, 2025 – Michael Baker International has announced that the firm’s portfolio company, Akela Engineering and Consulting, has merged with Michael Baker’s Sustainable and Resilient Solutions (SRS) business vertical. The SRS vertical encompasses the firm’s current mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP), structural engineering, telecommunications, cybersecurity, fire protection and architectural services.

    The merging of Akela, a national MEP+ firm with deep expertise in California, into Michael Baker offers clients holistic, smart and resilient building solutions across market sectors. The combined team will continue to partner with clients to achieve the highest levels of building design, comfort, safety and energy efficiency.

    The action strengthens Michael Baker’s position as the firm focuses on growing private sector work in San Diego and the Southern California region and nationally with the broader SRS team. The Akela portfolio of projects, clients and capabilities will make an immediate contribution to the growth of the SRS vertical with private sector clients. This will allow the company to deliver significant growth over the next five years and bring the full suite of Michael Baker services and capabilities to support private sector clients in various markets. The firm plans to expand in sectors including Industrial, Defense OEMs, Aerospace, Data Centers, Semiconductors, Life Sciences, Energy Transition, Higher Education and Healthcare.

    “With growth in the MEP space continuing to accelerate, concentrating our Akela and SRS teams into one cohesive entity strengthens our ability to expand our client base and position ourselves to deliver complex smart and resilient buildings, something only a full-service engineering firm can do well,” said Pankaj Duggal, president, Sustainable and Resilient Solutions at Michael Baker International. “The merger will continue to strengthen our competitive position in the growing MEP engineering and consulting market since acquiring and uniting Michael Wall Engineering and DEC Engineers in 2022 to form Akela. This combined team also allows us to offer our clients access to even more expertise and services as we support their businesses and enables us to create and embrace new opportunities that enhance our pursuit of larger, more complex MEP projects.”

    Adding the expertise of Akela team members to Michael Baker’s SRS vertical provides its combined client base with greater access to the depth of resources, best practices and subject matter expertise across Michael Baker’s 4,900 colleagues in more than 20 practices and specialty practices located across more than 90 offices in the U.S.

    Source: Michael Baker International.