Cyberattacks are increasing rapidly, and the damage they cause can be severe! In fact, in 2022, over 50% of European companies reported facing some kind of cyberattack. To tackle this, the NIS2 directive was introduced to boost cybersecurity across the European Union.
In this blog, we’ll cover what is NIS2, how it affects your business, and the steps you can take to stay compliant. Whether your business operates in a critical sector like energy or healthcare, or you manage digital infrastructure, understanding what is NIS2 compliance is essential. We’ll walk you through what is the NIS2 directive, and the steps needed to secure your business.
What is NIS2 Directive?
NIS2 stands for the Network and Information Security Directive 2. The NIS2 directive is the European Union’s response to the rise in cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure.
It expands the scope of the original NIS directive by including more sectors and introducing stricter security requirements. The goal is to create a unified cybersecurity standard across all EU Member States, ensuring that critical industries are well-protected from potential threats.
One major focus of the NIS2 directive is supply chain security. Cybercriminals often target smaller third-party vendors to infiltrate larger companies. By enforcing stronger cybersecurity measures across the entire supply chain, NIS2 aims to reduce these risks and enhance overall security.
Another important aspect of what is the NIS2 directive is the responsibility it places on top management. CEOs and boards are now directly accountable for ensuring that cybersecurity measures are implemented effectively. This makes cybersecurity a business-wide priority, not just an IT concern.
What is NIS2 Compliance?
NIS2 compliance is about meeting the cybersecurity standards set by the European Union to protect critical infrastructure. Businesses in sectors like energy, finance, and healthcare must take specific steps to defend themselves from cyber threats. Compliance also involves having processes in place to react quickly if a security breach happens.
NIS2 applies to two types of businesses, essential and important entities. Essential entities include industries like healthcare and energy, which are crucial for public safety. Important entities, such as digital service providers and manufacturers, must also comply, and it’s the responsibility of top management to make sure everything is in place, or they risk facing fines.
NIS2 compliance isn’t just about installing the latest security software. It’s a company-wide effort that includes risk management, staff training, and regular security audits. Being proactive with your cybersecurity approach and understanding what is NIS2 directive is key to protecting your business from potential cyberattacks.
10 Steps to NIS2 Compliance
Preparing for NIS2 compliance might feel overwhelming but breaking it into clear steps makes it a lot more manageable. Understanding NIS2 what is it can help you take the right actions without getting lost in the details. Here’s a simple guide to get you started on mastering NIS2 compliance.
1. Understand NIS2 Requirements
The first step is to get familiar with what is the NIS2 directive and how it impacts your business. Different sectors have specific requirements, and each EU country may add its own rules on top of NIS2. It’s also key to know if your business is classified as an essential or important entity, as this affects what you need to do.
2. Conduct a Risk Assessment
The next step is to carry out a risk assessment to find any weaknesses in your systems, processes, and supply chains. This means looking at where cyber threats are most likely to happen and how they could impact your business. Don’t forget to assess third-party vendors and external service providers too, as they can also pose risks.
3. Develop a Compliance Strategy
After identifying the risks, the next step is to develop a strategy to deal with them. Your compliance strategy should cover both quick fixes for immediate issues and long-term plans to strengthen your cybersecurity. Make sure you create detailed action plans that clearly outline how each risk will be managed and mitigated.
4. Implement Security Measures
Once your plan is in place, it’s time to put the right security measures into action. This includes managing your network security, setting up encryption, and using multi-factor authentication to secure sensitive data. The aim is to build a strong, layered defence that can protect your business from a variety of cyber threats.
5. Establish Incident Response Procedures
Cyber incidents can strike at any moment, so having a solid plan is essential. Your incident response procedure should cover how to report incidents to the right authorities and how to notify any affected users. It’s crucial that your team fully understands their roles and responsibilities if a breach occurs.
6. Train Staff
Your employees play a crucial role in keeping your business secure. Regular training ensures they can recognise potential threats and respond effectively. Since human error accounts for 82% of data breaches, investing in employee education is essential.
Training should focus on key areas like:
- Spotting phishing emails.
- Practising safe password habits.
- Reporting suspicious activity immediately.
As part of your NIS2 self assessment, it’s important to evaluate how well your staff can handle cybersecurity threats. Regularly review their preparedness and identify any gaps in knowledge or skills. Make sure to update your training programs frequently to keep up with the latest risks and compliance requirements.
7. Conduct Regular Audits
NIS2 compliance isn’t something you do just once and forget about. Regular audits are necessary to make sure your cybersecurity measures continue to work effectively. These audits should evaluate both your technical systems and organisational processes, helping you spot any gaps or areas that need improvement.
8. Engage with Authorities
Maintaining contact with national cybersecurity authorities is key to staying compliant with NIS2. This could mean attending industry-specific briefings or workshops on the latest NIS2 compliance updates. Building strong relationships with these authorities keeps you informed about any changes in local cybersecurity laws and regulations.
9. Maintain Documentation
Proper documentation is essential for demonstrating NIS2 compliance. Make sure all your cybersecurity policies, procedures, and risk assessments are well-documented and up to date. Authorities may ask for this documentation during audits or after a security incident to verify compliance.
10. Review and Update Regularly
Cyber threats are always changing, and your security measures need to keep up. Regularly review and update your cybersecurity practices to stay ahead of potential risks. This also helps ensure that you remain compliant as NIS2 regulations and requirements evolve.
Let Nexus Guide you to NIS2 Success
At Nexus Group, we simplify the path to NIS2 compliance by offering trusted identity solutions that secure your IoT devices and digital infrastructure. We provide risk assessments and identity management solutions, ensuring your systems are protected and fully compliant with NIS2 requirements. Let us help you with preparing for NIS2, so your business can stay ahead of evolving cybersecurity threats.
FAQs
What does NIS2 mean?
NIS2 stands for the Network and Information Security Directive 2. It is a European Union directive aimed at improving cybersecurity across critical sectors. The directive focuses on protecting essential infrastructure from increasing cyber threats.
Who does NIS2 apply to?
NIS2 applies to businesses classified as essential or important entities. These include sectors like energy, finance, healthcare, and digital services. If your business meets the size and revenue criteria, compliance with NIS2 is required.
What is the NIS regulation 2?
The NIS regulation 2, also known as NIS2, is an updated EU directive for cybersecurity. It replaces the original NIS Directive and introduces stricter rules for incident reporting and supply chain security. These new standards aim to ensure more consistent protection across EU Member States.
What is the difference between GDPR and NIS2?
GDPR focuses on protecting personal data, while NIS2 deals with securing critical infrastructure from cyber threats. Both are essential for businesses operating within the EU but target different aspects of security and compliance. GDPR safeguards personal information, whereas NIS2 ensures the stability of vital sectors.