After seven years, the universally applicable Cloud Adapter receives a major update: Version 2.0 not only features a revamped user interface, but also introduces a range of new security functions. Despite the extended feature set, the new version is even more lightweight and faster than its predecessors.
Ready for the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA)
The European Cyber Resilience Act, which defines a minimum level of cybersecurity for connected products, came into effect in December 2024 and must be fully implemented by the end of 2027. Manufacturers and distributors of digital products are now required to comply with these regulations.
As the Universal Cloud Adapter qualifies as a digital product, we’ve proactively implemented measures to support CRA compliance. These new features have been added as a result:
- HTTPS Support: In addition to the existing HTTP web interface (port 8888), a secure HTTPS connection is now available via port 9999. When the Cloud Adapter detects operation behind a reverse proxy, no additional overhead is introduced.
- System-Based Authentication: As an alternative to the traditional password login, system user authentication is now supported – eliminating the need to manage credentials in multiple places.
- Automatic Updates: Updates can optionally be installed automatically – either all updates or only those related to security.
- Backup Policies: Automatic configuration backups have already saved the day for many users. Now, you can precisely define which data should be backed up and which configurations can be restored remotely.
- Software Bill of Materials (SBOM): In compliance with technical guideline RT-03183, a complete inventory of all software components is now provided in CycloneDX format.
- Access Control for the Web Interface: In networks divided into multiple segments, access to the configuration interface can now be limited to specific interfaces.
- Logging of Security-Relevant Changes: Changes to authentication, encryption, or network accessibility are logged in accordance with REQ_ER 13 of the Cyber Resilience Requirements.
A Practical Tool: Network Scan
We’ve all been there: on-site and missing the IP address of a device – or wanting to know which communication protocols an existing device supports. This is where the new Network Scan of the Universal Cloud Adapter comes in. It lists all devices on the network and scans relevant ports. The blue tick can be used to jump directly to the website or to the configuration of the corresponding communication protocol.
In addition to convenience, this also enhances security: Before completing commissioning, it’s now easy to check for unknown network participants or open ports that are not required for productive use.
Why Version 2.0 – and not 1.0?
Following version 0.9.9.4, one might have expected version 1.0. However, that could have falsely suggested a brand-new or immature product. After seven years of continuous development, this would be entirely misleading. The substantial enhancements introduced are better reflected in the jump to version 2.0.
New: Online Help
The Cloud Adapter documentation is now centrally located in the Online Help – together with documentation for the AnyViz Portal. Links from the configuration interface lead directly to context-specific documentation, ensuring that all relevant information is instantly available.