Cyber Security
21.03.2024

The NIS2 Directive: How to prepare for the new cybersecurity challenge

The NIS2 Directive: How to prepare for the new cybersecurity challenge

At the beginning of 2021, the European Union presented a proposal for a new Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2) to replace the existing NIS Directive from 2016. The NIS2 Directive aims to increase the resilience and responsiveness of EU member states and the economy to cyber attacks. Among other things, the requirements for security measures and reporting obligations for critical and important infrastructures and service providers are to be tightened.

What does this mean for you as a medium-sized company? The NIS2 Directive is expected to affect a wider range of companies than the previous NIS Directive, which focused primarily on operators of essential services and digital service providers. The NIS2 Directive will also include new sectors, such as food, water, waste, postal, pharmaceutical, chemical, health, social, financial, tax, legal and education. In addition, the NIS2 Directive will provide for higher fines for infringements, which can be up to €10 million or 2% of annual global turnover.

You may be wondering how you can prepare for this new cybersecurity challenge. The NIS2 guideline is like a mountain tour that you have to plan and carry out. You need good equipment, a clear route, an experienced guide and strong motivation. Here are some tips on how you can use these elements for your cybersecurity strategy:

  • Good equipment: You should regularly review and update your IT systems and processes to ensure that they comply with current standards and best practices. You should also invest in appropriate security solutions that protect your data and communications, such as firewalls, antivirus, encryption, backup, etc.
  • A clear route: You should conduct a risk analysis to identify and prioritize your vulnerabilities and threats. You should also create a cybersecurity policy that defines your objectives, responsibilities, measures and controls. You should inform and train your employees and partners about your cybersecurity requirements.
  • An experienced guide: You should seek advice from an expert who can help you develop, implement and monitor your cybersecurity strategy. You should also have a point of contact for cybersecurity issues and incidents who can communicate with the relevant authorities and other stakeholders.
  • A strong motivation: You should not only focus on compliance with the NIS2 directive, but also on the benefits that good cybersecurity brings to your business. You can improve your competitiveness, your image, your customer loyalty and your innovation if you offer your data and your services securely and reliably.

If you would like to learn more about the NIS2 Directive and its impact on your business, you can download our free NIS2 whitepaper download. In it you will find a detailed analysis of the NIS2 directive, practical examples and recommendations on how you can best prepare for it.

Cybersecurity is not only a legal obligation, but also a strategic opportunity for your company. With a good cybersecurity strategy, you can not only adapt to the NIS2 directive, but also accelerate your digital transformation and increase your added value. Let's master this mountain tour together!