Exciting developments are unfolding in the realm of cybersecurity as Exein recently announced a strategic partnership with Mesh Systems. This collaboration aims to bolster security efforts at the source of connected devices. Starting with firmware security assurance prior to shipping, the partnership targets the growing concerns around EU cybersecurity regulations, including the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) and Radio Equipment Directive (RED), along with the US Cyber Trust Mark.
Mesh Systems specializes in supporting manufacturers throughout the full product lifecycle—from early design and development, through deployment, and ongoing management of connected devices. Through this partnership, they will incorporate Exein’s advanced embedded cybersecurity features into their customer engagements. This not only enhances firmware security assurance but also helps manufacturers translate regulatory obligations into actionable compliance programs.
Embedded Security and EU Compliance Readiness
Manufacturers of connected devices are increasingly under pressure to demonstrate robust product security due to rising cyber threats. In the US, the average cost of a data breach has risen significantly, now exceeding $10 million. As a result, many companies, especially those with international interests, are seeking insights into EU cybersecurity obligations, where compliance with CRA and RED is rapidly becoming essential for operations in European markets.
Responding to a Changing Threat Landscape at the Edge
The partnership between Exein and Mesh proposes a comprehensive approach that covers not just pre-deployment security assessments but also in-field resilience. This holistic strategy enables manufacturers to transition from using isolated security solutions—focused only on code analysis or network visibility—to a more dynamic runtime edge protection system. This is crucial for maintaining device security, even when devices operate offline.
As more sensitive operations, like AI inference and model execution, migrate from secure cloud environments to edge devices, the importance of on-device security becomes paramount. Currently, the US IoT security market is valued at approximately $34.8 billion and is projected to expand to $296 billion by 2033. With connected devices becoming foundational across various sectors—from industrial settings to consumer markets—manufacturers are under immense pressure to devise scalable solutions for risk mitigation without compromising time to market.
The frequency of cyber-attacks on critical infrastructure, such as the energy and transportation sectors, continues to rise. In North America, targets account for 24% of global cyber-attacks, with US entities facilitating 86% of those incidents. According to FBI reports, losses incurred by US businesses due to cyber-attacks reached at least $2.7 billion in 2024.
In light of this escalating threat landscape, Chris Lanier, Managing Director, Americas at Exein, states: “Connected devices are now the fastest-growing attack surface globally, with the center of gravity shifting toward the edge and on-device AI. This partnership amalgamates Exein’s embedded cybersecurity technologies with Mesh Systems’ extensive experience in managing connected products. Together, we’re positioned to assist US manufacturers in developing more resilient devices and fulfilling EU cybersecurity compliance requirements.”
Andrew Cohoat, President and CEO of Mesh Systems, echoes this sentiment, noting: “More US manufacturers are being prompted to validate their connected products’ security, especially for European markets. Partnering with Exein allows us to provide stronger firmware security assurances pre-shipment while also supporting the operational processes required to comply with regulations like the Cyber Resilience Act and the Radio Equipment Directive.”
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