NIS2 Directive Compliance Guide
Follow our comprehensive roadmap to achieve NIS2 compliance. From initial assessment to ongoing governance, we guide you through each step of implementing mandatory cybersecurity measures.
NIS2 Compliance in Plain English
NIS2 compliance means implementing specific cybersecurity measures and proving you've done so. It's not just about having security - it's about documenting it, testing it, and reporting when things go wrong.
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Your 8-Step Path to NIS2 Compliance Compliance
Follow these steps to achieve full compliance. Each step builds on the previous one, creating a comprehensive compliance program.
1. Entity Classification & Gap Analysis
Determine your NIS2 status and current compliance gaps
Key Actions
- Confirm essential vs important entity classification
- Identify applicable sector-specific requirements
- Assess current cybersecurity maturity level
- Document compliance gaps and priorities
Available Tools
Real Examples
2. Establish Governance Structure
Set up leadership and accountability for cybersecurity
Key Actions
- Appoint cybersecurity leadership roles
- Establish board-level oversight
- Define roles and responsibilities
- Create steering committee structure
Available Tools
Real Examples
3. Risk Management Framework
Implement comprehensive risk assessment and management
Key Actions
- Conduct initial risk assessment
- Develop risk treatment plans
- Implement risk monitoring processes
- Create risk register and metrics
Available Tools
Real Examples
4. Implement Technical Measures
Deploy the required technical security controls
Key Actions
- Deploy access control and authentication systems
- Implement encryption for data protection
- Set up security monitoring and logging
- Configure backup and recovery systems
Available Tools
Real Examples
5. Incident Response Capability
Build incident detection, response, and reporting capabilities
Key Actions
- Create incident response plan
- Establish incident response team
- Set up 24-hour reporting procedures
- Test incident response processes
Available Tools
Real Examples
6. Supply Chain Security
Secure your technology and service supply chain
Key Actions
- Map critical suppliers and dependencies
- Assess supplier cybersecurity maturity
- Implement supplier security requirements
- Monitor supply chain risks
Available Tools
Real Examples
7. Training & Awareness
Build cybersecurity culture and competence
Key Actions
- Develop cybersecurity training program
- Conduct role-based security training
- Run phishing simulation exercises
- Measure security awareness levels
Available Tools
Real Examples
8. Continuous Improvement
Establish ongoing compliance and improvement processes
Key Actions
- Implement compliance monitoring
- Schedule regular security assessments
- Track and report security metrics
- Update measures based on threat landscape
Available Tools
Real Examples
What NIS2 Compliance Actually Requires You to Do
Risk Management
Systematic approach to cybersecurity risks
- • Risk identification
- • Impact assessment
- • Treatment plans
- • Regular reviews
Technical Measures
Implement required security controls
- • Access control
- • Encryption
- • Monitoring
- • Backup systems
Incident Response
Detect and respond to security incidents
- • 24-hour reporting
- • Response procedures
- • Recovery plans
- • Lessons learned
Governance
Leadership and accountability structures
- • Board oversight
- • Clear roles
- • Regular reporting
- • Budget allocation
Supply Chain
Secure your extended enterprise
- • Vendor assessment
- • Security requirements
- • Ongoing monitoring
- • Incident coordination
Training
Build security awareness and skills
- • Regular training
- • Role-based content
- • Effectiveness testing
- • Continuous education
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Common NIS2 Compliance Questions
How long do we have to achieve NIS2 compliance?
NIS2 is already in effect as of October 17, 2024:
- Immediate compliance required for all covered entities
- 6-12 months typical implementation timeline
- National authorities are already conducting assessments
- Non-compliance penalties can be applied immediately
What's the difference between essential and important entities?
Entity classification determines your specific obligations:
- Essential entities: Critical infrastructure sectors
- Important entities: Other significant digital services
- Essential entities face stricter supervision
- Different penalty thresholds apply
- Both must implement the 10 mandatory measures
Do we need external certification for NIS2?
NIS2 doesn't require specific certification but:
- National authorities may conduct audits
- ISO 27001 can demonstrate compliance
- Third-party assessments are recommended
- Documentation must prove compliance
- Regular assessments are mandatory
How does NIS2 relate to other regulations?
NIS2 complements other EU cybersecurity laws:
- Works alongside GDPR for data protection
- Aligns with CRA for product security
- Coordinates with DORA for financial sector
- National implementations may vary
- Avoid duplication where possible
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