Supporting the NIS2 Directive compliance

Europe’s most extensive cybersecurity directive to date, the Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2 Directive), is now in effect, introducing tighter compliance requirements for risk management, incident reporting, and broadening its reach to encompass more industries.

NIS2 Directive

160K+

Estimated companies affected by NIS2

10M

Or 2% of annual turnover—max fine for non-compliance

15

Number of sectors covered by NIS2 Directive

2024 October

NIS2 came into effect

OVERVIEW

What is the NIS2 Directive?

The Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2 Directive)—Directive (EU) 2022/2555—is an EU-wide legislation establishing common cybersecurity standards across member states. It was introduced to address gaps in the original NIS Directive, expanding its scope to cover additional sectors and entities. NIS2 aims to harmonize cybersecurity requirements, strengthen resilience against evolving threats, and impose stricter penalties for non-compliance.

The directive adopts a risk-based approach, requiring organizations to implement security measures proportionate to potential threats. It also promotes cross-border collaboration by encouraging information sharing among stakeholders and mandates comprehensive incident reporting to support effective threat detection and response.

Two professionals reviewing information about the NIS2 Directive cybersecurity legislation on a tablet.

Main goals & objectives of the NIS2

1

Implement effective risk management

2

Ensure corporate accountability for cybersecurity

3

Establish efficient reporting obligations for security incidents

4

Develop robust business continuity plans for cyber incidents

Platform-driven compliance

Don’t get caught out by compliance

The toggle-ready NordLayer platform brings access controls, logs, and policies into one platform - helping you stay aligned and catch issues before they become problems.

NordLayer control panel

Sectors affected by NIS2 compliance requirements

NIS2 divides organizations into two categories: Essential Entities (EE) and Important Entities (IE). In most cases, public or private organizations with more than 50 employees and an annual turnover above €10 million must determine their category and comply with the corresponding rules. However, some organizations are subject to NIS2 regardless of size — for example, sole providers of essential services, operators of critical infrastructure, or entities in designated sectors such as public administration, healthcare, or critical digital infrastructure.

Elevating the fortification of Europe's critical sectors to ensure societal and economic stability.

Energy

Energy

Covers the crucial energy sectors of electricity, oil, and gas, underscoring their importance in everyday functions and the need for cybersecurity.

Transport

Transport

Focuses on the major modes of transport: air, rail, sea, and road, highlighting their role in connecting people and places.

Healthcare

Healthcare

Prioritizes the protection of healthcare settings, encompassing both public hospitals and private clinics, given their role in public welfare.

Public Administration

Public Administration

Emphasizes the protection of public services, reflecting the directive's commitment to ensure uninterrupted and secure administrative functions.

Banking & Financial Market Infrastructure

Banking & Financial Market Infrastructure

Addresses the backbone of our financial system, spotlighting areas like payment services that facilitate economic activities.

Digital Infrastructures

Digital Infrastructures

Targets foundational digital services, such as those providing DNS and TLD registries, acknowledging their role in the digital ecosystem.

Water Supply

Water Supply

Focuses on the preservation and security of both drinking water and wastewater systems, which are vital for public health.

Space

Space

Illuminates the strategic significance of the space sector, ensuring it meets high cybersecurity standards given its impact on various technologies and services.

Free guide: how the NIS2 Directive changes cybersecurity rules for businesses

NIS2 guide

CRITERIA

The core pillars of the NIS2 cybersecurity regulation

Incident management system

Create a comprehensive incident management system for timely detection, analysis, and response to cybersecurity events. Features should include automated alerts, classification of incidents, and detailed response strategies.

Supply chain security

Enhance supply chain security by regularly auditing and assessing third-party vendors. Ensure these vendors adhere to security standards and establish secure communication protocols.

Network security upgrades

Improve network security with advanced firewall technologies, intrusion detection and prevention systems, and continuous monitoring features to identify and mitigate unauthorized access or suspicious activities.

Network security solutions

Access control mechanisms

Strengthen access control with multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and enhanced privilege management to safeguard critical systems and data.

Identity and access management (IAM) solutions

Data encryption

Implement comprehensive end-to-end encryption for sensitive data to ensure its confidentiality and integrity.

GUIDELINES

Minimum cybersecurity measures for NIS2 compliance

Risk management policies

Risk management policies

Establish policies on risk analysis and information system security to effectively manage cybersecurity threats.

Incident handling plan

Incident handling plan

Implement a comprehensive plan for handling and responding to security incidents swiftly.

Business continuity

Business continuity

Ensure up-to-date backups, disaster recovery strategies, and crisis management for uninterrupted operations.

Supply chain security

Supply chain security

Prioritize security in relationships with direct suppliers, assessing vulnerabilities and ensuring product cybersecurity.

System security lifecycle

System security lifecycle

Maintain robust security during network and system acquisition, development, maintenance, and vulnerability disclosure.

Effectiveness assessment

Effectiveness assessment

Incorporate policies and procedures to routinely evaluate the efficacy of cybersecurity risk-management measures.

Cyber hygiene training

Cyber hygiene training

Foster basic cyber hygiene practices through continuous employee cybersecurity training and awareness programs.

Cryptographic measures

Cryptographic measures

Utilize policies on cryptography, ensuring appropriate use of encryption where relevant.

Access control & asset oversight

Access control & asset oversight

Define security procedures for employees accessing sensitive data, and maintain a comprehensive asset management strategy.

Advanced authentication

Advanced authentication

Implement multi-factor or continuous authentication solutions, secured communications, and encrypted emergency channels.

Network security

Network security

Protect networks and systems by securing architecture, dividing them into secure zones, restricting unauthorized access, and managing remote connections.

Contact NordLayer to learn about NIS2 directive

Ready for NIS2? Be prepared, don't be taken by surprise.

Every business can have a smooth NIS2 journey. Let NordLayer guide the way.

CONSEQUENCES

What if a company is not compliant with NIS2?

Companies failing to comply with the NIS2 Directive could face severe penalties ranging from non-monetary sanctions to substantial administrative fines. Additionally, top management personnel can be held personally accountable for non-compliance, emphasizing the significance of cybersecurity responsibility at an organizational level.

To shift the responsibility of cybersecurity from solely resting on IT departments, NIS2 introduces measures to hold top management personally accountable. In cases of non-compliance, authorities can make violations public, identify responsible personnel, hold management liable for breach of their duties, and, for essential entities, temporarily ban individuals from holding managerial positions after repeated infractions.

STEPS

Where to start your NIS2 compliance journey?

Embarking on the NIS2 compliance journey requires a structured approach. Here are five essential steps to guide your business to successful adherence.

  1. Assess applicability & impact

    Determine if NIS2 affects your organization. Understanding its relevance to your business ensures you focus on what truly matters. Highlight and prioritize your organization's critical services, processes, and assets for a targeted approach.

  2. Elevate cybersecurity awareness

    Secure top management support by raising awareness about NIS2 sanctions and fines. This includes dedicated training programs for leadership on cybersecurity risk management and the significance of a cyber-oriented culture.

  3. Enhance security infrastructure

    Implement a risk and information security management system (ISMS). Review and adapt the 10 mandated cybersecurity risk management measures of NIS2. This includes streamlining incident reporting, enhancing supply chain security, and establishing a robust business continuity plan.

  4. Allocate resources effectively

    Plan and budget accordingly, focusing on areas with the highest cyber risks. This involves allocating sufficient financial resources for cybersecurity endeavors, bearing in mind the stiffer penalties that NIS2 introduces for non-compliance.

  5. Continuously monitor & adapt

    Foster a culture of continuous improvement. Regularly assess and close security gaps, stay updated on expected security controls, and leverage expert guidance as needed. Ensure that your organization remains agile and adaptive in its compliance journey.

NordLayer: turning NIS2 challenges into achievements

In the era of expanding hybrid and remote work, adhering to regulatory standards at such a vast scale can seem daunting. As part of Nord Security, our primary mission is to deliver an expansive array of premium cybersecurity tools, empowering you to achieve, sustain, and surpass compliance standards.

NORDLAYER COMPLIANCE

Partnering with an industry standards leader

NordLayer is dedicated to regulatory compliance and protecting sensitive business data. Our systems boast ISO 27001 certification and pass the stringent SOC 2 Type 2 audit. We align with HIPAA Security Rules and utilize AES-256 encryption to ensure data security. Now, let us help you with your compliance.

GDPR Compliance

GDPR Compliance

HIPAA Compliance

HIPAA Compliance

ISO 27001 Compliance

ISO 27001 Compliance

PCI-DSS Compliance

PCI-DSS Compliance

Soc 2 Type 2 Compliance

Soc 2 Type 2 Compliance

Additional info

Frequently asked questions

The NIS2 Directive was transposed into EU member states as national laws by the deadline of October 17, 2024, marking its full effect across member states and ensuring consistent cybersecurity requirements EU-wide.

*Disclaimer. This article is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as legal or any other professional advice. The content herein is intended to offer general insights into regulation requirements and potential solutions. It does not provide a comprehensive overview of the law, nor does it address specific legal scenarios.

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