NIS2 Explained:03 Into the Requirements

Key Requirements of NIS2: What Organizations Need to Do

The NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) is a comprehensive framework designed to strengthen cybersecurity across the European Union. While the directive introduces several new measures, its key requirements are the backbone of its success. These requirements are not just about compliance – they are about building a resilient, secure, and trustworthy digital ecosystem.

In this article, we’ll explore the key requirements of NIS2 and what organizations need to do to meet them. Whether you’re an essential entity, an important entity, or an SME, understanding these requirements is crucial for ensuring compliance and protecting your organization from cyber threats.

1. Risk Management and Cybersecurity Measures

One of the core requirements of NIS2 is the implementation of robust risk management practices. Organizations must take a proactive approach to identify, assess, and mitigate cybersecurity risks. This includes:

• Conducting Regular Risk Assessments: Organizations must regularly evaluate their cybersecurity posture to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats.
• Implementing Security Measures: NIS2 requires organizations to adopt appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect their networks and information systems. This includes measures such as:
• Continuous Monitoring: Organizations must continuously monitor their systems for potential threats and vulnerabilities, ensuring timely detection and response.

2. Incident Reporting and Response

NIS2 introduces stricter incident reporting requirements to ensure faster response and mitigation of cyber incidents. Key aspects include:

• Timely Reporting: Organizations must report significant cyber incidents to their national authorities within 24 hours of becoming aware of the incident. A detailed report must follow within 72 hours.
• Types of Incidents to Report: The directive specifies the types of incidents that must be reported, including:
• Incident Response Plans: Organizations must have a well-defined incident response plan in place to ensure a coordinated and effective response to cyber incidents.

3. Supply Chain Security

The NIS2 Directive places a strong emphasis on securing the supply chain. Organizations must ensure that their third-party vendors and suppliers meet the same cybersecurity standards. Key requirements include:

• Third-Party Risk Assessments: Organizations must assess the cybersecurity posture of their suppliers and vendors to identify potential risks.
• Contractual Obligations: Contracts with third-party providers should include clauses that require them to comply with NIS2 requirements.
• Continuous Monitoring: Organizations must continuously monitor the security practices of their suppliers and vendors to ensure ongoing compliance.

4. Governance and Accountability

NIS2 introduces stricter governance requirements to ensure that cybersecurity is a top priority for organizational leadership. Key aspects include:

• Board-Level Responsibility: Senior management and board members must take an active role in overseeing cybersecurity practices and ensuring compliance with NIS2.
• Cybersecurity Training: Organizations must provide regular cybersecurity training to employees, ensuring they are aware of potential threats and best practices.
• Accountability Measures: NIS2 requires organizations to establish clear accountability measures, ensuring that individuals responsible for cybersecurity are held accountable for their actions.

5. Business Continuity and Crisis Management

NIS2 emphasizes the importance of business continuity and crisis management in the face of cyber incidents. Key requirements include:

• Business Continuity Plans: Organizations must have a business continuity plan in place to ensure the continuity of essential services in the event of a cyber incident.
• Crisis Management Exercises: Regular crisis management exercises should be conducted to test the organization’s ability to respond to and recover from cyber incidents.
• Backup and Recovery: Organizations must implement robust backup and recovery procedures to ensure the availability of critical data and systems.

6. Compliance and Auditing

To ensure compliance with NIS2, organizations must undergo regular audits and assessments. Key aspects include:

• Internal Audits: Organizations should conduct regular internal audits to assess their compliance with NIS2 requirements.
• External Audits: External audits may be required to validate the organization’s compliance with NIS2.
• Documentation: Organizations must maintain detailed documentation of their cybersecurity practices, risk assessments, and incident reports to demonstrate compliance.

7. Collaboration and Information Sharing

NIS2 encourages greater collaboration and information sharing among organizations, national authorities, and EU member states. Key requirements include:

• Information Sharing: Organizations must share information about cyber threats and incidents with national authorities and other relevant stakeholders.
• Cross-Border Cooperation: NIS2 promotes cross-border cooperation to address cyber threats that transcend national boundaries.
• Participation in Cybersecurity Initiatives: Organizations are encouraged to participate in cybersecurity initiatives and forums to share best practices and learn from others.

Key Takeaways

• NIS2 introduces stricter requirements for risk management, incident reporting, supply chain security, governance, and business continuity.
• Organizations must take a proactive approach to cybersecurity, implementing robust measures to protect their networks and information systems.
• Timely incident reporting and continuous monitoring are critical for ensuring compliance with NIS2.
• Collaboration and information sharing are essential for addressing cross-border cyber threats and building a resilient digital ecosystem.

What’s Next?

In the next article in this series, we’ll dive deeper into Incident Reporting Under NIS2, exploring the timelines, types of incidents to report, and best practices for effective incident response.