Cybersecurity in industry: What does the NIS2 directive mean for your business?

Digital transformation has brought many benefits to industry, but also new risks. Operational technologies (OT) in sectors such as manufacturing and energy supply are increasingly becoming targets of cyber attacks. The NIS2 directive, soon to come into force, plays a crucial role in improving the security of these critical infrastructures. Systems integrator EKB supports companies in preparing for these new requirements. In this article, we discuss the impact of the NIS2 Directive, which companies must comply with it, and what steps are necessary to meet the new requirements.

What is the NIS2 guideline?

The NIS2 Directive is an update of the original Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive introduced by the European Union in 2016. This directive aimed to improve cybersecurity of essential services such as energy, transportation and digital infrastructures. NIS2 builds on this with more stringent and comprehensive requirements to better address growing cyber threats.

To which companies does the NIS2 directive apply?

NIS2 applies to a broader group of companies than its predecessor. In addition to providers of essential services, NIS2 extends its scope to more sectors and types of organizations. Key sectors covered by NIS2 include energy, transportation, banking, healthcare, drinking water, digital infrastructure, public administration, aerospace and food production. Medium and large enterprises in other sectors essential to the economy and society are also covered by these regulations.

What do companies need to do to comply with the NIS2 directive?

To comply with the NIS2 directive, companies must take several cybersecurity measures:

1. Risk management: Implement a risk management system that identifies, analyzes and manages cyber threats.

2. Security measures: Implement technical and organizational measures such as firewalls, encryption and access control to secure network and information systems.

3. Incident Reporting: Cyber incidents that have a significant impact must be reported immediately to the appropriate authorities.

4. Collaboration and information sharing: Collaborate with other organizations and share information about threats and incidents to strengthen overall resilience to cyber attacks.

5. Training and awareness: Regular cybersecurity training for employees to increase awareness of risks and best practices.

Important considerations

In addition to the above measures, there are some other important aspects of the NIS2 directive that companies should consider:

Fines and penalties: Non-compliance can lead to significant fines and other penalties, making timely implementation of the directive crucial.

Regular audits: Companies may be subject to regular audits and checks to verify compliance with NIS2 requirements.

Integrated approach: Cybersecurity should be an integral part of business strategy, with security considerations incorporated into the design and development of new systems and processes.

Conclusion

The NIS2 directive represents an important step forward in improving cybersecurity in the industry. With its broader scope and more stringent requirements, more companies must scale up their security measures. While this can be challenging, it also presents an opportunity to increase resilience to cyber threats and ensure the continuity of vital services.

EKB offers expert support to help your company meet the new NIS2 requirements. More information on our website.