WHITECROFT LIGHTING, one of the UK’s leading commercial lighting manufacturers, has voluntarily adopted an enhanced EU cybersecurity directive to protect increasingly smart and connected lighting devices.
New EU rules, known as Delegated Acts, are now in force under the Radio Equipment Directive (RED). First established in 2016, the RED Directive is a key piece of EU legislation that ensures wireless equipment meets essential requirements for security, health, and safety.
Proactive compliance
The latest connected devices, including smart lighting systems, require robust safeguards to protect user privacy and prevent data theft. By becoming an early adopter of the RED Directive in the UK, Whitecroft is reinforcing the security and integrity of its systems in anticipation of any future UK regulations.
Aligning with the RED Directive also enhances the security of systems that collect and store critical building performance data, such as Whitecroft’s flagship Organic Response.
It also ensures that lighting systems operate on standardised, regulated frequency bands, supporting seamless interoperability with IoT devices, BMS platforms, and other third-party building technologies.
Future-proofing intelligent lighting installations
As large-scale intelligent lighting installations gain popularity among building operators seeking to optimise energy efficiency and lighting quality, robust cybersecurity safeguards are essential to protect both the integrity of connected systems and the data they generate.
The Department of Work and Pensions (DWP) recently installed Whitecroft’s Organic Response at 129 sites across its UK estate, with an anticipated 80% increase in its lighting energy efficiency.
Organic Response is a smart lighting technology that features built-in sensors that automatically respond to occupancy and daylight levels, optimising lighting for comfort, efficiency, and energy savings.
Setting new benchmarks for IoT security in lighting
"Being RED Directive compliant is about setting standards and giving our customers confidence in our systems, rather than treating it as a tick-box exercise in bureaucracy," said Jason Casey, technical controls and service manager at Whitecroft Lighting.
"The EU is currently setting the pace in the IoT cybersecurity space, and staying ahead of the curve is part of our ethos.
"We’re already seeing demand from customers who want future-proofed lighting that is safe, secure, and built to last. They increasingly understand that opting for non-compliant systems, often manufactured offshore, although cheaper, can expose businesses to cybersecurity threats that can seriously compromise performance.
"This not only puts data and networks at risk but can also lead to costly disruptions, increased maintenance, and reduced lifespan of lighting infrastructure."
For more information:
www.whitecroftlighting.com
Tel: +44 (0)161 330 6811
