NIS2 Compliance: What You Need to Know and Why It Matters

In response to the escalating cyber threats that have accompanied rapid digitalisation, the European Union introduced the Network and Information Security (NIS) Directive in 2018 as a foundational step towards securing critical infrastructure. However, with cyberattacks increasing by over 600% globally in the past two years alone, it became clear that a more robust framework was necessary. 

Enter NIS2, the enhanced successor that came into effect five years later. NIS2 builds on the original directive by broadening its scope, intensifying risk management requirements, and implementing stricter supervisory and enforcement mechanisms, including harmonised sanctions across the EU. This updated directive, set to be implemented on 17th October 2024, is designed to address the dynamic and evolving nature of cyber threats, ensuring that Europe’s critical infrastructure remains resilient and secure in the face of an increasingly hostile digital landscape.

Below, we outline the key changes to the NIS Directive, how your organisation can achieve compliance, and how DPRM solutions can support your journey to full NIS2 compliance.

What are the key changes to NIS2?

• Expanded scope: NIS2 includes additional critical sectors such as public administration, space, waste management, and the manufacturing of certain critical products. It also now applies to medium and large enterprises in critical sectors, including 5G infrastructure.
• Increased penalties: Introduces stricter enforcement mechanisms and higher penalties for non-compliance, with fines reaching up to €10 million or 2% of the entities’ total worldwide turnover, whichever is higher.
• Enhanced risk management and reporting: Entities must adopt a risk-based approach to cybersecurity, ensuring comprehensive protection measures and timely reporting of significant incidents.
• Supervision and enforcement: National authorities are empowered to supervise compliance and enforce penalties for non-compliance, ensuring that entities adhere to the directive’s requirements.
• Supply chain security: NIS2 emphasises the importance of securing supply chains, recognising that vulnerabilities can often be introduced through third-party relationships.
• Cooperation and information sharing: Enhances cooperation and information sharing between member states.
• Harmonisation and standardisation: Aims to harmonise cybersecurity measures and protocols across the EU to reduce fragmentation.

How can your organisation prepare for NIS2 compliance?

With the NIS2 directive set to be implemented on 17th October 2024, organisations must start preparing now to ensure they meet the stringent requirements. Here’s a quick guide to help you begin your compliance journey:

Conduct a gap analysis

• Evaluate your current cybersecurity measures against NIS2 requirements.
• Identify critical assets and services needing protection.

Engage a compliance partner

• Seek expert guidance to navigate NIS2 complexities.
• Leverage solutions like Certes’ DPRM to streamline compliance.

Develop a risk management strategy

• Prioritise risks and implement continuous monitoring.
• Ensure your strategy aligns with NIS2’s risk-based approach.

Secure your supply chain

• Assess third-party risks and ensure they meet cybersecurity standards.
• Implement end-to-end encryption to protect data throughout its lifecycle.

Train your workforce

• Raise awareness about NIS2 and its importance.
• Provide specialised training on incident reporting and risk management.

Test incident response plans

• Create and regularly test comprehensive response plans.
• Ensure your team is prepared to respond effectively to cyber incidents.

Engage with regulatory authorities

• Establish communication channels with NIS2 regulators.
• Stay informed about any updates or changes to the directive.

Document compliance efforts

• Maintain detailed records of your compliance activities.
• Prepare to meet NIS2’s reporting obligations promptly.

How DPRM can help you with NIS2 compliance

Our Data Protection and Risk Management (DPRM) solutions are specifically crafted to help organisations meet the stringent requirements of the NIS2 directive. Key features of the DPRM solution include:

• Quantum Safe Data Protection: Our DPRM solutions offer robust, quantum-safe encryption to secure sensitive data throughout its lifecycle. This ensures that data remains protected, whether at rest, in transit, or during processing, thereby aligning with NIS2’s emphasis on safeguarding critical information.
• Separation of Key Policy Ownership: This feature ensures that the control of encryption keys and protection parameters remains with the customer or data collector, rather than being outsourced to third parties. By maintaining direct control, organisations can significantly reduce the risks associated with data breaches and regulatory penalties, ensuring compliance with NIS2’s strict data protection mandates.
• Data Security Unified Reporting: DPRM provides unified reporting capabilities that offer real-time insights into data security and potential breaches. This allows for swift incident detection and reporting, ensuring compliance with NIS2’s strict incident notification timelines.
• Supply Chain Security: Recognising the importance of securing supply chains, our DPRM solutions extend encryption and protection measures to third-party vendors and partners. This addresses NIS2’s focus on mitigating risks that can be introduced through external relationships.

Certes’ DPRM solution is tailored to meet the specific needs of entities required to comply with NIS2. By integrating these solutions, you can ensure full regulatory compliance while significantly enhancing your overall cybersecurity posture. As NIS2 elevates cybersecurity standards across Europe, Certes is well-positioned to help organisations achieve compliance and contribute to a more secure and resilient digital ecosystem.

To find out more about how DPRM can help keep your business NIS2 compliant and protect your data, speak to our team today.