LG Electronics will cut the time required from product development to launch by strengthening its ability to respond to European security regulations. Its software-accredited testing lab under the company CTO recently obtained designated test laboratory status from global certification body TUV Rheinland for the cybersecurity rules under the EU Radio Equipment Directive, it said on Aug. 11.

Wireless communication products distributed in Europe must meet rules on defending against external attacks, protecting personal information and preventing financial fraud. LG Electronics can now conduct certification tests in-house. TUV Rheinland issues certificates after reviewing LG Electronics' test results, so there is no need to send prototypes overseas.

The main effects are saving time and costs. The likelihood of information leakage also falls for security-sensitive products. In B2B businesses such as vehicle components and HVAC, the company is expected to strengthen business capabilities because it can quickly reflect customer requirements.

LG Electronics has expanded its regulatory response capabilities. In 2019, the software-accredited testing lab obtained internationally accredited test qualifications for software quality measurement from the Korea Laboratory Accreditation Scheme (KOLAS), the first domestic manufacturer to do so. It later expanded into functional safety and cybersecurity, and is also pursuing accredited test laboratory status for the EU CRA (Cyber Resilience Act), which is scheduled to take effect in 2027.

The company is also strengthening product security technology itself. Through "LG Shield", LG Electronics operates a security system across the full product lifecycle from development through after launch. It installs the latest security technologies during development and provides rapid patches tailored to device environments when new vulnerabilities emerge after launch. It is also applying quantum-resistant cryptography technology in preparation for advances in quantum computers.

Kim Dong-wook (김동욱), head of LG Electronics' software centre and an executive director, said, "Based on globally proven software competitiveness, we will rapidly provide customers with safer and more reliable products and services."