Cyber Attack Surge and New EU Rules Push Industrial Safety Upgrades Worldwide
Published on 07/08/2026 at 16:17 | Redaktion boerse-global.de
The cost of cybercrime to the German economy reached an estimated €290 billion in 2025, while the global number of cyber attacks has climbed 70 percent since 2023. Against that backdrop, the European Union’s Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and the NIS2 directive are forcing manufacturers to embed security across the entire product lifecycle. First reporting obligations under these rules take effect in September 2026, with full compliance expected by December 2027.
Industry experts warn that growing digital connectivity is creating new vulnerabilities. In response, plant operators and equipment makers are accelerating investments in both cybersecurity and functional safety — often combining the two.
As fire safety standards tighten for industrial facilities and even motorhomes, ensuring your own workplace meets current regulations is essential. Many companies underestimate the risks of inadequate fire protection – but a comprehensive fire safety toolkit can help. The free Fire Safety Toolkit from Health & Safety Adviser provides a complete package: risk assessment templates, evacuation plans, fire extinguisher training, and more. Download the free Fire Safety Toolkit
Battery Storage First: IEC 61508 Certificate
Trina Storage became the first energy company to receive a process certificate for functional safety according to IEC 61508, awarded by UL Solutions. The certification covers the entire system lifecycle — from design through production to operation and maintenance. A company representative stressed that comprehensive safety management is essential for modern energy storage solutions.
Drives Get Extra Safe-Motion Functions
On 7 July, NORD DRIVESYSTEMS expanded its NORDAC ON frequency inverters with additional safe-motion features. The drives, rated at 0.37 to 3.7 kW, now include SLS (Safely-Limited Speed), SMS (Safe Maximum Speed), and SSM (Safe Speed Monitor). Previously they offered only STO (Safe Torque Off) and SS1 (Safe Stop 1).
Integration can be done via PROFIsafe or FSoE. The system also provides safe digital inputs and outputs for emergency stops, protective doors, or light curtains. The manufacturer says it is responding to growing demand for integrated safety solutions in machine building.
Critical Infrastructure: Biogas and Gas Terminals
Safety technology is also being upgraded in critical infrastructure. For gas recirculation in biogas plants, side channel compressors such as the K3MSMOR model with ATEX II 3GD certification are being used. These units run at 2855 revolutions per minute, and the manufacturer mandates a project-specific corrosion protection check.
Rockwell Automation implemented an integrated control and safety system at a US gas terminal that was being converted from an import to an export facility. The project was executed in phases to avoid interrupting ongoing operations.
SIL-3 Controllers and 100-Millisecond Watchdogs
For Safety Integrity Level (SIL) 3 applications, the HIMatrix controller series now supports PROFIsafe. Configuration is carried out via dedicated engineering studios, with strict separation between safety logic and standard PLC programming. Typical watchdog times are set at 100 milliseconds.
Fire Safety Standards for Recycling and Motorhomes
New guidelines are also tightening fire protection in specific sectors. The VdS 2517 standard, published in 2025, defines state-of-the-art fire safety for recycling plants. Special risks come from lithium-ion batteries, shredders, and conveyor belts. Custom extinguishing concepts increasingly rely on thermal imaging cameras or UV/IR flame detectors.
Documenting these risks properly is a key part of compliance. A structured risk assessment ensures every hazard is identified and controlled. The free Risk Assessment Toolkit offers 41 ready-to-use templates and checklists covering fire safety, manual handling, lone working, and more – all aligned with UK regulations. Download the free Risk Assessment Toolkit
For smaller installations, the DVGW technical standard G 607 specifies how tank bottles must be installed in motorhomes. Requirements include tool-less fixing and a mandatory inspection interval of ten years. Filling at ordinary service stations, however, remains prohibited.
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