How to Achieve NIS2 Directive Compliance

The Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) is an updated version of the original NIS Directive. The cybersecurity directive was introduced to strengthen the overall security of critical infrastructure and digital services across the European Union (EU), and this version aims to harmonize cybersecurity requirements across the EU and equip organizations with the necessary measures required to tackle modern and rapidly evolving cyber threats.

This update provides new and revised rules and obligations for organizations operating in or serving EU customers and requires them to adopt comprehensive risk management practices, security measures, and incident reporting. 

Who does NIS2 Impact? 

Since NIS2 is a directive for cybersecurity, all the covered entities and organizations (both public and private) operating within the EU member states. Organizations must review and modify their internal policies, security policies, and business processes to ensure they align with the NIS2 framework. This includes aligning incident response procedures, risk management practices, and reporting processes and protocols.  

NIS2 also requires organizations to incorporate security measures into their everyday work culture. This may involve modifying workflows to include necessary security controls. Conducting comprehensive cybersecurity audits and updating supply chain security practices are crucial to ensure compliance with NIS2.  

Organizations must clearly define roles and responsibilities to ensure accountability for compliance with the directive and invest in continuous training for employees. This training should cover the technical aspects of cybersecurity as well as legal and compliance requirements set out by NIS2. 

While the NIS2 directive is specifically for the EU, it does impact non-EU organizations that provide services within the EU or manage critical infrastructure with EU connections. These organizations must meet NIS2 security and regulatory requirements. The NIS2 directive also serves as a benchmark for other regions, motivating governments worldwide to enforce similar measures. 

Updated Sectors and Organizations Affected 

Additionally, NIS2 expanded the scope of cybersecurity rules to a broader range of sectors and entities. These sectors and entities are categorized as “essential” and “important” based on the size of the organization and the criticality of the services they provide. 

You can learn more details about these sectors and entities in Annex I and Annex II 

Steps to Achieve Compliance with NIS2

Effective compliance is not a one-time effort but an ongoing process that evolves with the regulatory landscape and emerging threats. By following these steps, organizations can not only meet regulatory requirements but also strengthen their overall cybersecurity posture. 

1. Understand Applicability 

Begin by determining whether your organization is classified as an Essential or Important Entity under NIS2. Essential Entities include sectors like healthcare, energy, and transportation, while Important Entities cover sectors such as digital services and manufacturing. Once your classification is established, designate a responsible individual or team, such as a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), to oversee compliance efforts. Establish governance structures to manage cybersecurity risks, ensure regular reporting to senior management, and facilitate accountability throughout the organization. 

2. Conduct a Gap Analysis 

Perform a thorough gap analysis to assess your current cybersecurity posture against the requirements of the NIS2 Directive. Identify areas where your organization may need some improvement, including policies, technologies, and processes. This analysis will form the foundation for a detailed compliance roadmap and help prioritize resources effectively. 

3. Implement a Cybersecurity Framework 

Develop and formalize a robust cybersecurity risk management framework tailored to your organization’s specific operations. This should include documented cybersecurity policies that address key areas such as access controls, encryption, system updates, and network protection tools like firewalls and intrusion detection systems. Frameworks such as ISO 27001 or NIST CSF can serve as references to align your organization with international standards. Ensure regular reviews and updates to adapt to evolving cyber threats. 

4. Establish Incident Management Procedures 

Create and implement a comprehensive incident management plan that includes processes for detecting, classifying, and resolving cybersecurity incidents. The plan should cover containment, eradication, and recovery steps. Regularly test this plan through tabletop exercises or simulations to ensure readiness. Additionally, comply with NIS2’s strict incident reporting requirements by notifying relevant authorities within 24 hours of detecting a major incident. Include follow-up reports that provide detailed analyses and corrective measures. 

5. Develop Business Continuity and Disaster Recovery Plans 

Ensure your organization has documented business continuity and disaster recovery plans to maintain critical operations during disruptions. These plans should define recovery time objectives (RTOs) and recovery point objectives (RPOs) for essential services. Regularly test the plans through simulations and update them as necessary to reflect changes in your operational environment or threat landscape. 

6. Strengthen Supply Chain and TPRM 

Identify critical third-party providers and dependencies in your supply chain. Conduct due diligence on their cybersecurity capabilities to ensure they meet NIS2 standards. Include specific cybersecurity clauses in contracts that obligate vendors to adhere to these requirements. Continuously monitor their performance and conduct regular audits to address potential risks. Consider adopting GRC tools that enhance visibility into supply chain vulnerabilities.  

7. Enhance Monitoring and Reporting Capabilities 

Implement advanced monitoring and reporting workflows to better detect vulnerabilities, threats, and unusual activities within your network. Use tools such as Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems to analyze network traffic, user activity, and system logs in real time. Regularly report cybersecurity performance metrics, vulnerabilities, and compliance status to relevant national authorities and internal stakeholders. This proactive approach helps demonstrate your organization’s commitment to compliance. 

8. Conduct Regular Cybersecurity Awareness Training 

Ensure all employees, from executives to frontline staff, receive regular cybersecurity awareness training. Focus on topics such as phishing prevention, secure password practices, and incident reporting procedures. Tailor the training to address the specific needs and risks of different roles within the organization. Track participation and effectiveness through assessments and adjust the program based on emerging threats. 

9. Maintain Comprehensive Documentation 

Keep detailed records of all activities related to compliance. This includes risk assessments, incident management and response actions, cybersecurity policies, training logs, and vendor evaluations. These records should be organized, up-to-date, and readily accessible for regulatory audits or requests from national authorities. Comprehensive documentation also supports transparency and accountability in your compliance efforts. 

10. Establish Regular Audits and Reviews 

Conduct internal and external audits to ensure ongoing compliance with NIS2 requirements. Internal audits should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of implemented controls and identifying areas for improvement. External audits, conducted by third-party experts, provide an objective assessment of your compliance posture. Use findings from these audits to refine your cybersecurity strategies and address gaps promptly. 

11. Collaborate with National and Sectoral Authorities 

Engage with national and sector-specific authorities to stay informed about evolving NIS2 guidelines, threat intelligence, and best practices. Participation in industry forums and information-sharing initiatives can provide valuable insights and enhance your organization’s ability to respond to emerging threats. 

12. Monitor Regulatory Updates and Emerging Threats 

Stay updated on changes to the NIS2 Directive and other relevant regulations. Monitor the threat landscape for new risks that may impact your organization. Establish a dedicated team or partner with cybersecurity firms to provide regular updates and recommendations for staying compliant and secure. 

How StandardFusion Helps Organizations with NIS2 Compliance  

StandardFusion is a holistic, easy to use, GRC platform designed to simplify and streamline the process of adhering to regulations like the NIS2 Directive. By centralizing GRC processes, StandardFusion enables organizations to efficiently manage their cybersecurity efforts.  

For NIS2 compliance, StandardFusion’s platform significantly accelerates the 12 implementation steps organizations need to take as it is purpose-built for these tasks. Its GRC platform offers numerous prebuilt processes that can be easily adopted by organizations of all sizes to help establish clear governance structures to oversee compliance efforts. 

Book a demo with our team to discover how StandardFusion can help streamline and automate your compliance processes, making it easier to meet NIS2 requirements with confidence. 

Final Thoughts  

By aligning with NIS2 requirements, organizations can strengthen their defenses, mitigate risks, and build trust with stakeholders, customers, and partners. 

Implementing a robust compliance framework, staying informed about evolving NIS2 regulations, and leveraging modern tools are critical steps in safeguarding your organization’s infrastructure and data.