Ready for RED? Complying with the Radio Equipment Directive

The Radio Equipment Directive (RED) 2014/53/EU is a piece of European legislation ensuring all radio-enabled equipment placed on the EU market meets essential safety, electromagnetic compatibility, and radio frequency usage requirements. However, there’s a new signal coming from the European Union – and it’s one you’ll want to tune in to. On August 1st, 2025, the updated Radio Equipment Directive (RED) officially comes into force, introducing essential new cybersecurity requirements for wireless devices sold in the EU. While the Radio Equipment Directive covers a broad range of electronics, it carries particular weight for those of us in the access control industry.

The Radio Equipment Directive is a critical move by the EU to improve consumer safety, data protection, and network resilience. All manufacturers, installers, and end-users need to take it seriously.

Improving cybersecurity awareness through the Radio Equipment Directive

The updated Radio Equipment Directive 2014/53/EU is more than a regulatory update – it’s a vital step toward improving cybersecurity awareness across the industry. By enforcing stricter rules on how wireless devices transmit, process, and store data, the directive helps ensure that cybersecurity is no longer an afterthought but a built-in priority. Any product with radio capabilities – including Bluetooth, RFID, Wi-Fi, LTE, or NFC – will soon need to demonstrate that it’s secure by design.

The role of Radio Equipment Directive in data and network security

The updated Radio Equipment Directive strongly emphasizes data security and network security – especially for connected devices like intercoms and access systems. For the access control industry, that translates into precise, enforceable requirements, such as:

• They should be resilient to tampering, malicious interference, and brute force attacks.

• Secure software updates are essential – incorporating integrity and authenticity checks.

• Sensitive data must be stored securely, ensuring confidentiality and proper access control.

• Communication should rely on secure protocols like HTTPS, SIPS, and SRTP.

• Finally, cryptographic methods used must align with industry best practices.

How the Radio Equipment Directive affects access control industry

2N is getting RED-y

At 2N, we welcome the new directive as a logical and necessary step forward. We fully support the principle behind it: technology should empower people without compromising their safety or privacy. That’s why we’re already taking proactive measures to ensure all future 2N products are fully RED-compliant – with a particular focus on robust cybersecurity and secure connectivity.

From encrypted communication to secure authentication methods and storage, 2N devices are engineered with cybersecurity in mind. In fact, our internal processes – leveraging proven practices from the Axis Security Development Model – already integrate many of the principles now mandated by RED. That means our customers, partners, and even competitors can look to 2N as a benchmark for what compliance should look like.

A directive that protects everyone

The updated Radio Equipment Directive is a bold step toward a safer digital environment. It aims to ensure that all connected devices – including access control systems – don’t become a weak link in the cybersecurity chain.

Whether you're a long-time 2N customer, a systems integrator, or a project planner exploring new solutions, our advice is the same: don’t wait to get RED-ready. Review your devices, assess your risk, and choose partners who take security as seriously as you do. Start by speaking with our Project Consultant Presales team here – they’re ready to help you find the most secure solution for your needs.

You can also find more expert advice on our cybersecurity support page, or you can learn more about cybersecurity with our free eBook.

Download it now!

Trusted, tested, future-ready

At 2N, we're committed to being your reliable partner guiding you through the ever-shifting world of regulations and standards.

With the new Radio Equipment Directive on the horizon, we’re staying ahead of the curve and closely monitoring its impact on access control technologies. While we’re actively working toward full compliance, we’re also here to guide and support our partners every step of the way.