What is the ENS and why is it relevant to your company?
The National Security Scheme (ENS) is the reference framework that establishes the minimum security requirements for protecting digital information and services in the Spanish public administration. If your company provides technology services, develops software, or manages cloud solutions (whether with Microsoft, Google, AWS, or another cloud provider) for public bodies, the ENS is a key requirement both for complying with regulations and for positioning yourself as a trusted provider.
This regulation does not only affect large companies. Even SMEs or partners of large integrators may need to demonstrate their alignment with the ENS in order to access contracts, tenders, or technological collaborations in the public sector. Cybersecurity is no longer optional but has become an essential requirement, both for the public sector and for companies that collaborate with it.
Who does it apply to and what does it consist of?
The ENS is mandatory for any entity that manages or accesses government information systems. This includes everything from application development to cloud services, consulting, and technical support. The goal is to ensure the security, integrity, and availability of information, regardless of the infrastructure used.
One of the most practical aspects is the categorization of systems by security levels, depending on the type of data managed and the impact that an incident could have:
- High level: Intended for managing highly sensitive information, such as in government services, banks, or healthcare.
- Medium level: For companies that handle personal or financial data, such as consulting firms, e-commerce, or technology startups.
- Low level: Aimed at companies with less critical information, such as small businesses or general services.
This assessment helps determine which specific measures to implement, in proportion to the risks.
Benefits of complying with the ENS
The correct application of ENS brings clear advantages for your company:
- Access to public tenders and contracts.
- Strengthening trust with administrations and customers.
- Continuous improvement of security management.
- Compliance with other regulations, such as data protection (GDPR and LOPD-GDD).
- Competitive differentiation from other companies.
ENS and GDPR: Regulations that complement each other
The ENS and the GDPR are designed to work hand in hand in the protection and secure management of digital information. Compliance with the ENS contributes, in many respects, to compliance with the GDPR and other data protection regulations. Both require the preparation of security policies, risk analysis, system categorization, audits, and documentation to respond to any legal requirements or security incidents.
What does implementing ENS in a company entail?
The implementation includes, among other aspects:
- Assessing and categorizing systems and services according to their sensitivity level (high, medium, or low).
- Performing a risk analysis to identify threats and weaknesses in information systems.
- Defining and applying internal security policies, specifying roles and responsibilities related to information protection.
- Establishing technical and organizational security controls and measures, such as access management, encryption, activity logging, backups, etc.
- Documenting processes, policies, and compliance justifications.
- Monitoring, maintaining, and continuously improving the security measures implemented.
- Conducting periodic audits (internal and external) to ensure compliance and identify areas for improvement.
Having guidance from professionals with experience in implementing and auditing the ENS can facilitate the process and ensure an effective transition without surprises.
The ENS is much more than an administrative requirement: it is the basis for working safely, responding to tenders and public projects, and protecting your company's technological assets. Regardless of the size of the organization, the important thing is to understand the scope, apply the standard proportionately, and maintain a process of continuous improvement.
At Intelequia, we can help you prepare your company with the technology, advice, and processes necessary to ensure compliance and transform security into a competitive advantage. If you have any questions about ENS or how to adapt your services, please contact our team: we will be happy to help you.