In an increasingly digitized world, cybersecurity has become a priority for organizations. The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Systems Security Directive) is a European Union initiative that seeks to strengthen cybersecurity across the region, replacing the previous NIS regulation.
What is the NIS2 Directive?
NIS2 is an update of the NIS Directive, which came into force in 2016. Its main objective is to ensure a high level of cybersecurity in the EU, adapting to the new technological risks and threats that have emerged in the last decade. With the NIS2, the EU aims to improve cooperation between member states, increase the cybersecurity of key infrastructures and establish stricter obligations for companies to protect their information systems.
Requirements to comply with the NIS2 directive.
To comply with the NIS2 Directive, companies must follow a number of specific requirements to ensure the security of their information systems and networks. These requirements include:
1. Risk assessment: Conduct periodic cyber risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats.
2. Security measures: Implement advanced security measures, such as firewalls, data encryption and multifactor authentication.
3. Training and awareness: Provide ongoing cybersecurity training to all employees so that they are aware of best practices and can recognize potential threats.
4. Response plans: Develop and maintain cyber incident response plans, including procedures for notifying authorities and affected users.
5. Security audits: Conduct periodic security audits to ensure that implemented measures are effective against current threats.
If you need help implementing NIS2 measures, we are here to support you.
Who is affected by NIS2?
The NIS2 directive affects a wide range of entities, both public and private, especially those operating in key strategic sectors of the economy. These include:
1. Energy: companies that manage energy infrastructures, from generation to distribution.
2. Transportation: companies operating in land, air and maritime transportation, essential for connectivity and commerce.
3. Healthcare: healthcare institutions and service providers, which handle critical data on public health and welfare.
4. Finance: financial institutions, banks and insurers, which must protect sensitive user data.
5. Telecommunications: companies providing telecommunications services, essential for connectivity and digital communication.
6. Digital services: platforms and providers of cloud services, e-commerce, and other technological services, such as software companies and digital platforms.
These industries will have to comply with the strict requirements of the NIS2, aimed at strengthening cybersecurity and protecting critical infrastructure. The regulation covers not only large companies, but also smaller entities that are part of the value chain in these sectors.
Recommendations for complying with the NIS2 Directive.
Complying with the NIS2 Directive may seem challenging, but with the right approach, companies can effectively integrate these cybersecurity requirements into their operations. Here are some key recommendations to ensure your organization is aligned with the regulations:
1. Conduct regular cybersecurity audits:
- Engage an audit provider: find an outside firm to perform cybersecurity audits on a regular basis.
- Assess vulnerabilities: use automated tools to perform vulnerability scans on your systems and networks.
- Document results and corrective actions: generate a detailed report of the audits and establish an action plan to correct the vulnerabilities found.
2. Strengthen the resilience of digital systems:
- Implement intrusion detection systems (IDS): install software solutions that monitor and alert on suspicious activity on the network.
- Adopt advanced anti-malware solutions: use protection software that detects and neutralizes viruses and other malicious programs in real time.
- Establish incident response procedures: develop and test a detailed action plan for handling cyber incidents, such as security breaches or DDoS attacks.
- Create regular backups: set up automatic backups of all critical data and perform regular tests to ensure their effectiveness.
3. Foster a culture of cybersecurity at all levels:
- Conduct monthly or quarterly trainings: organize cybersecurity training sessions for all employees, covering topics such as phishing, secure passwords and handling sensitive data.
- Create awareness campaigns: launch internal campaigns (e.g., emails or posters) that inform about cybersecurity best practices.
- Conduct attack simulations: organize simulations of cyber-attacks (such as phishing attacks) to test employee preparedness.
4. Collaborate with trusted technology service providers:
- Verify the security of your vendors: Require technology service providers (such as cloud or software providers) to provide evidence of their compliance with NIS2 standards.
- Establish service level agreements (SLAs): Include clauses in vendor contracts that ensure the protection of data and systems, as well as response to security incidents.
- Audit the security of external suppliers: Conduct periodic audits of external suppliers to ensure that they continue to comply with cybersecurity requirements.
Main Changes Introduced by NIS2.
1.Expansion of the scope of application: NIS2 expands the number of sectors and entities that must comply with the directive. In addition to providers of essential services, such as energy, transportation, healthcare and water, the new regulation also includes providers of digital services (such as online platforms, search engines and cloud computing services).
2. Strengthened security obligations: companies must implement more rigorous security measures. This includes the obligation to conduct risk assessments, protect networks and information systems, and establish cyber incident response plans. It also states that organizations must maintain an adequate level of cybersecurity training and awareness for their employees.
3. Notification of cybersecurity incidents: in the event of a security incident, companies must notify the national authorities within 24 hours in the case of serious incidents. This will enable a faster and more coordinated response at the European level.
4. Stiffer penalties: NIS2 strengthens penalties in the event of non-compliance. Fines can be significant, underlining the importance of adopting robust cybersecurity measures. In addition, national authorities will have greater powers to monitor and audit companies' security measures.
For more details on cybersecurity at the European level, see ENISA.
Implementing these practices will not only enable you to comply with NIS2 requirements, but will also strengthen the protection of your technology infrastructure against future cyber threats. In an interconnected digital environment, prevention and technological adaptation are key to ensuring the integrity and continuity of your business.
If your company needs to comply with the NIS2 Directive and strengthen its cybersecurity, our team of experts is here to help.