The topic of the new NIS2 directive on IT security, which will come into force on 17 October 2024, has been widely discussed for the last six months to a year. Many articles have been written on this topic and seminars have been organised. However, my marketing manager insisted that I should speak on this topic as well. I will try to be as specific and brief as possible.
The NIS2 Directive aims to improve cyber security in the EU, specifically to increase the resilience of organisations. For IT leaders, CTOs and security officers, compliance is a key step in reducing cyber risk and avoiding regulatory fines. Non-compliance can result in fines and expose organisations to operational risks.
Understanding NIS2
The NIS2 Directive is the latest cybersecurity regulation in the European Union, replacing the original NIS Directive (NIS1) to address emerging digital threats. Unlike NIS1, which focused on critical infrastructure sectors like:
- energy
- transport
- healthcare
- banking
- water supply
- digital infrastructure
- financial market infrastructure
- digital providers
NIS2 extends its scope to include additional industries such as:
- waste management
- food production and distribution
- manufacturing
- ICT service management
- Public administration
- space
- research
- postal and courier services
- chemical production and distribution
The directive’s key objectives are to increase cybersecurity resilience, streamline incident reporting, and improve cross-border cooperation. It also introduces stricter compliance obligations, ensuring that organizations adopt stronger security measures and provide timely responses to cyber incidents. Staying compliant with NIS2 is critical for maintaining operational security and avoiding penalties.
Who Needs to Comply with NIS2?
The NIS2 Directive mandates compliance by organisations operating in the 17 sectors listed above, as well as their supply chains. While smaller companies with fewer than 50 employees or a turnover of less than €10 million are largely excluded, local authorities can define exemptions. The Directive categorises entities as either ‘essential’ or ‘important’, with different obligations depending on their classification. Failure to comply can have serious consequences, including heavy fines and legal sanctions. In addition, non-compliance can damage a company’s reputation and disrupt business operations.
Steps to prepare for NIS2 compliance
- Conduct a gap analysis:
A gap analysis helps organisations identify discrepancies between their current security measures and the requirements of NIS2. This assessment provides a clear view of the areas that need improvement to achieve compliance. - Strengthen cyber security practices:
Common vulnerabilities include outdated systems and weak incident response protocols. Organisations should implement cybersecurity best practices, such as regular software updates and secure coding, to meet NIS2 standards. - Penetration testing:
Penetration testing is essential for identifying potential security vulnerabilities before attackers can exploit them. Regular testing simulates real-world cyber attacks, allowing organisations to strengthen their defences. - Implement incident response plans:
A well-defined incident response plan is critical under NIS2, which requires timely incident reporting and structured mitigation strategies. Organisations must ensure that their response times meet the requirements of the directive. - Ongoing security support:
Maintaining compliance requires ongoing security measures, including real-time monitoring and updates. Proactive support helps prevent security breaches and ensures ongoing compliance with NIS2 standards.
How Our Services Help Achieve NIS2 Compliance
- Penetration testing plays a critical role in identifying and remediating vulnerabilities in your systems, ensuring compliance with NIS2’s requirement for continuous security risk management.
- Code review helps organisations meet their NIS2 obligations by identifying software vulnerabilities early, ensuring the integrity and resilience of your applications.
- Security Consulting and Support provides expert guidance and ongoing updates to ensure your cyber security measures are in line with the evolving standards of NIS2 compliance.
Building a Strong Compliance Culture
- Training and awareness:
Fostering a security-first culture is critical to compliance. NIS2 emphasises employee awareness and training programmes to help staff recognise and respond effectively to cybersecurity risks. - Working with third parties:
Outsourcing can introduce additional risks. It’s important to ensure that third parties comply with NIS2 requirements to avoid vulnerabilities in the supply chain.Looking Ahead: The Future of Cybersecurity Compliance
Conclusion:
Preparing for NIS2 compliance is achievable with the right approach and support. By conducting a thorough gap analysis, strengthening security practices and maintaining ongoing security measures, your organisation can meet the requirements of NIS2. Contact us today to discuss how we can help you prepare for NIS2.
