NIS2 directive: Why telcos must prioritise compliance (and how BlackDice can help)

The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security) is a new European Union regulation designed to strengthen cybersecurity across key sectors, including telecoms. With cyber threats becoming more frequent and complex, it’s vital for telecoms operators to understand what NIS2 means, the risks of not complying, and how solutions like those offered by BlackDice, can simplify compliance and improve security.

What is the NIS2 Directive?

NIS2 updates the original NIS Directive by expanding its scope and raising cybersecurity standards. It covers more sectors and introduces stricter requirements for businesses, including telecom operators.

Key requirements of NIS2:

• Enhanced cybersecurity: Organisations must have real-time threat monitoring and robust security protocols in place.
• Incident reporting: Any security incidents must be reported within 24-72 hours.
• Risk management: There’s a stronger focus on proactively managing risks, including supply chain security.
• Collaboration: NIS2 encourages cross-border cooperation to ensure uniform cybersecurity standards across the EU.

Why do telcos need to know about NIS2?

“Ignoring NIS2 isn’t an option”

Telecoms operators are now classed as essential infrastructure under NIS2. This means they are required to comply with the new cybersecurity measures. As digital infrastructure providers, telcos face increased risks from cyberattacks.

Ignoring NIS2 isn’t an option, as failure to comply can lead to significant problems:

• Increased cyber risk: Telcos manage huge volumes of sensitive data and critical communication infrastructure, making them attractive targets for hackers. Non-compliance could expose networks to more frequent data breaches, ransomware, and DDoS attacks.
• Financial penalties: NIS2 introduces heavy fines for non-compliance—up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover, whichever is higher. This makes ignoring the directive an expensive mistake.
• Reputation damage: Failing to secure your network and customer data can seriously impact your reputation. Poor cybersecurity undermines customer trust and leads to lost business.
• Operational disruptions: NIS2 aims to prevent service outages by ensuring telecoms networks are resilient. Not meeting its standards could lead to service interruptions, damaging your bottom line.

What happens if you don’t comply?

Non-compliance with NIS2 carries real consequences. These include:

• Fines of up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover
• Regulatory penalties like operational restrictions or mandatory corrective actions
• Reputation loss, as customers and businesses expect telcos to prioritise security

These penalties make it essential for telcos to ensure they meet NIS2 requirements.

How BlackDice helps telcos comply with NIS2

BlackDice offers a complete solution for telcos looking to meet the NIS2 Directive. Here's how it helps:

Real-time threat detection

BlackDice provides real-time threat monitoring, installed directly on the network router. This allows telcos to identify potential security threats immediately, including malware and phishing attempts, helping you comply with NIS2’s proactive security requirements.

Automated incident reporting

One of the key NIS2 requirements is incident reporting within 24-72 hours. BlackDice automates this process, providing detailed reports when incidents occur. This ensures telcos meet their reporting obligations on time and with minimal effort.

Risk management insights

BlackDice offers deep insights into network performance and potential vulnerabilities, helping telcos manage risks effectively. This aligns with NIS2’s focus on proactive risk management, including the security of third-party suppliers.

AI-driven automation

BlackDice uses AI technology to detect anomalies in network behaviour and manage threats automatically. This helps telcos respond quickly to security issues and stay on top of evolving cyber threats, ensuring long-term compliance with NIS2.

Future-proofing telco networks

Beyond NIS2, cybersecurity regulations will only get tighter. By adopting BlackDice, telcos can future-proof their networks, staying compliant with future laws and protecting themselves from emerging threats.

How does BlackDice streamline NIS2 reporting processes?

BlackDice streamlines the NIS2 reporting process for telcos by automating key tasks and providing detailed, real-time insights. Here’s how it helps:

1. Automated incident detection: BlackDice monitors network activity in real-time, using AI-powered algorithms to detect threats as they occur. This automatic detection significantly reduces the time it takes to identify a cyber incident, ensuring telcos can act quickly.
2. Instant reporting: Once a threat is detected, BlackDice generates automated reports, detailing the nature of the threat, its potential impact, and recommended actions. This makes it easier for telcos to meet the 24-72 hour reporting deadline required under NIS2.
3. Real-time alerts: BlackDice sends real-time alerts to telco operators, ensuring that the necessary stakeholders are informed as soon as a threat is identified. This allows for immediate action and rapid escalation of serious issues.
4. Compliance-ready reporting: The platform’s reporting tools are designed with NIS2 compliance in mind, ensuring that all required information is captured and formatted in a way that meets regulatory requirements, minimising the risk of incomplete or incorrect reporting

What happens if telcos miss the 72-hour reporting deadline under NIS2?

Missing the 72-hour reporting deadline under NIS2 can lead to serious consequences for telcos:

1. Financial penalties: Non-compliance, including late reporting, can result in fines of up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover, whichever is higher. This places significant financial pressure on telcos to ensure timely compliance.
2. Regulatory action: Telcos that fail to meet the reporting deadline may face additional scrutiny from regulators. This can lead to operational restrictions or enforced corrective measures, which could impact the telco’s ability to provide services.
3. Reputational damage: Late reporting can damage a telco’s reputation, especially if the failure to comply leads to a high-profile incident. Customers and partners may lose trust in the telco’s ability to secure its network, leading to a loss of business.
4. Service disruptions: Failing to report incidents on time could result in service interruptions, especially if the underlying threat is not addressed quickly. This could lead to customer dissatisfaction and increased churn.

By automating the detection and reporting process, BlackDice helps telcos avoid these risks and comply with NIS2’s stringent reporting requirements.

Final thoughts and what next?

The NIS2 Directive is a game-changer for telcos. With tighter regulations and serious consequences for non-compliance, telecoms operators must ensure they meet the new standards. BlackDice simplifies this process, providing real-time monitoring, automated reporting, and AI-driven insights to help you stay compliant and secure.

To find out how BlackDice can help your organisation meet NIS2 standards, get in touch with us today. It’s time to protect your network and ensure compliance with the latest regulations.