Essential NIS2 compliance checklist for businesses

Nowadays, cybersecurity threats are not just evolving—they’re escalating at an alarming rate. The X-Force Threat Intelligence Index 2024 reveals that nearly half of all breaches involve the theft of sensitive customer data, and attacks using valid credentials have surged by 71%. Ransomware, a relentless menace, has held its position as the most common form of cyberattack for four consecutive years. With the annual cost of cybercrime projected to soar to $10.5 trillion by 2025, the stakes have never been higher.

Against this backdrop, the European Union has introduced the NIS2 Directive, a significant update designed to fortify cybersecurity measures across all member states. This directive is not just an enhancement of its predecessor—it’s a necessary evolution to confront the sophisticated and pervasive cyber threats that businesses face today. For organizations spanning various sectors, understanding and following NIS2 requirements isn’t just about compliance; it’s about staying secure in an increasingly hostile digital environment.

This NIS2 checklist is your guide through the critical steps toward NIS2 compliance. It ensures your organization is equipped to meet the rigorous standards required to protect your digital infrastructure and maintain robust security in a world where the next cyberattack is not a question of if but when.

Overview of the NIS2 Directive

The NIS2 Directive is an update to the Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive introduced by the European Union to enhance cybersecurity across member states. It aims to bolster the resilience of critical infrastructure and digital services against cyber threats.

NIS2 extends its scope beyond essential services to include medium and large enterprises in set critical sectors, emphasizing a comprehensive approach to risk management and incident reporting. It requires stricter security measures and sets clearer obligations for organizations to manage risks, protect their systems, and report major security incidents.

Who needs to comply?

Compliance with the NIS2 Directive is required for a broad range of medium and large enterprises operating in critical sectors, including operators in energy, transport, and health sectors, as well as online marketplaces and cloud computing services.

To comply, these organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures and follow the directive's standards for protecting their digital infrastructure and managing supply chain security.

NIS2 compliance checklist

Achieving compliance with NIS2 involves a systematic approach that covers various aspects of your organization’s cybersecurity strategy. This checklist outlines the key considerations to help guide your business toward meeting the directive’s requirements.

1. Governance and risk management

Establish clear governance structures to support NIS2 compliance. Define organizational goals, risk appetite, and strategic objectives. Assign specific roles and responsibilities for compliance tasks, ensuring accountability in case of non-compliance. Regularly assess and document cyber risks, focusing on internal and external factors that could impact your organization’s security. Involve top management in approving and overseeing cybersecurity measures to ensure they align with business objectives.

2. Evaluating security effectiveness

Document and regularly review your security policies to ensure they are up-to-date and in line with NIS2 standards. Implement formal incident response plans with a ticketing system for incident detection, triage, and response. Secure your supply chain by assessing the cybersecurity practices of your suppliers and service providers, ensuring comprehensive protection from potential vulnerabilities. Additionally, establish backup management and disaster recovery plans that align with your organization’s Recovery Time Objectives (RTOs) to maintain business continuity.

3. Technical and operational measures

Implement basic cyber hygiene practices, such as regular security training for employees, to maintain high-security standards. Secure your network and information systems by addressing vulnerabilities and adopting strong cryptographic practices. Use advanced security measures, such as endpoint protection and robust network defenses, to prevent unauthorized access and safeguard against cyberattacks.

4. Security technologies and solutions

Deploy a suite of security technologies that best fit your organization’s needs, ensuring they align with NIS2’s technical requirements. This can include tools like Security Information and Event Management (SIEM), Security Orchestration, Automation, and Response (SOAR), and User and Entity Behavior Analytics (UEBA) systems. Ensure these technologies align with industry standards and regulations, such as GDPR, and are capable of protecting your digital infrastructure from breaches and unauthorized access.

5. Technical compliance and certifications

Utilize multi-factor authentication (MFA) and secure communication systems, especially for remote or privileged access. Ensure that your cybersecurity practices are aligned with recognized frameworks and certifications, such as ISO 27001 for information security management. Regularly review and update your technical measures to maintain compliance with evolving standards.

6. Compliance with legal and industry standards

Familiarize yourself with the specific requirements of NIS2 and how they differ from the original directive. Align your cybersecurity strategies with industry-specific regulations, such as HIPAA for healthcare or NERC CIP for energy. Use recognized frameworks like NIST SP 800 or CIS Controls to strengthen your organization’s security posture.

7. Reporting and communication

Develop robust processes for detecting, analyzing, and reporting security incidents. Ensure timely communication with relevant authorities and stakeholders, following the reporting timelines and content requirements set out in NIS2. Document your governance processes and cybersecurity efforts comprehensively, using benchmarks like ISO/IEC 27002 to support compliance and make your reporting efficient.

8. Human resources and training

Implement HR policies that control access based on roles and conduct regular security assessments. Provide ongoing cybersecurity training and awareness programs for all employees, ensuring they have the knowledge to protect sensitive data and comply with NIS2 requirements. Integrate these training initiatives into your overall risk management strategy and regularly update them to address new threats and reinforce best practices.

How NordLayer can support your NIS2 compliance journey

As a network security provider, NordLayer offers a range of tools and services to help your organization meet the stringent requirements of the NIS2 Directive.

Here’s how we can assist:

• Advanced access control: With NordLayer’s Virtual Private Gateways and Cloud Firewall, you can enforce strict Network Access Control (NAC) policies, ensuring only authorized and compliant devices access your network. Our multi-layered authentication methods, including two-factor authentication (2FA) and biometric verification, provide an additional layer of security.
• Effective incident prevention: Protect your network from cyber threats with NordLayer’s suite of threat prevention tools, including traffic encryption, IP masking, and DNS filtering by category, helps protect your network from cyber threats.
• Strong cryptography: Our VPN gateways provide quantum-safe encryption, securing data in transit and safeguarding sensitive information. This creates a secure environment for online activities and access to critical resources.
• Network monitoring and management: Gain a clear overview of connected devices and network usage with NordLayer’s activity monitoring and device posture management features. This helps you proactively identify and address potential security issues.
• Continuous security controls: Ensure your network is protected around the clock with NordLayer’s Always-On VPN and auto-connect features. These controls reinforce compliance with security policies and practices.

With NordLayer, you can simplify the management of your security infrastructure while confidently meeting the demanding requirements of the NIS2 Directive. Contact NordLayer today to learn more about how we can support your compliance efforts.