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What is NIS2 legislation?
In recent years, the European Union has taken significant steps to strengthen cybersecurity. An important part of this is the NIS2 directive, which tightens the protection of networks and information systems in key sectors such as energy, transportation, finance and healthcare. This directive not only brings stricter rules for companies, but also places additional emphasis on increasing cybersecurity awareness within organizations, at every level.
What does this mean in practice? Companies must not only keep their security systems up-to-date, but also ensure that both management and employees understand the risks of cyber attacks. An important thing to note about the NIS2 is that the responsibility now lies explicitly with management. This ensures that cybersecurity is also taken seriously at the highest level.
The important components of NIS2
The NIS2 directive introduces more stringent governance and accountability requirements than its predecessor, NIS1. This aims to better arm organizations against cyber attacks. But what exactly does this entail? Here are the key components of NIS2:
- More sectors are now covered, including healthcare, digital infrastructure and public administration.
- Companies should establish a risk management strategy to identify and mitigate potential cyber risks.
- Serious security incidents must be reported to the authorities within 24 hours.
- Regulators have more ability to monitor companies and can impose higher fines for non-compliance.
With these enhancements, NIS2 lays a solid foundation for network and information security, and increases the resilience of critical infrastructures.
Challenges in implementing NIS2
Implementing the NIS2 directive presents several challenges. While these new rules are important for strengthening cybersecurity, organizations may encounter a number of obstacles:
Costs vs. benefits
Complying with NIS2 often requires substantial investments, both in technology and in training employees. New software, systems and security measures can be costly. However, in the long run, the benefits such as preventing data breaches and avoiding high fines far outweigh these expenses.
Resistance within the organization
Change can create resistance within organizations, especially if employees do not immediately see the importance of cybersecurity. By actively involving employees and management in the implementation process and making the benefits of NIS2 compliance clear, this resistance can be reduced.
How to raise NIS2 awareness?
Raising awareness around the NIS2 guideline is important, as many organizations are required to comply with it. Here are some low-level ways to create NIS2 awareness:
Training and education
Raising NIS2 awareness can be done in a variety of ways, from traditional training to innovative methods such as gamification. Platforms like Guardey, which offer gamified cybersecurity awareness, help employees get involved in an engaging way and improve their knowledge about threats.
In addition, the NIS2 directive explicitly places responsibility for cybersecurity on management. This means that executives are required to attend NIS2 training courses to ensure they are well prepared for their new responsibilities. These trainings are designed to make management aware of the risks and give them the tools to implement cybersecurity strategies within their organizations.
Internal communication
In addition to training, a strong internal communication strategy is essential. Regular updates, emails and workshops on cybersecurity risks and the NIS2 guideline help raise awareness among all employees. Reinforcing communication with visual aids such as infographics or internal campaigns can better inform employees about their role in protecting the organization from cyber attacks.
What does the NIS2 Executive Training involve?
The NIS2 Executive awareness training focuses on the following topics:
📌 Recognizing cyber threats
Administrators need to be aware of different types of cyber threats that can affect their organization, such as ransomware, phishing attacks and supply chain attacks. Understanding these threats is the first step to protection.
📌 Develop an industry-specific cybersecurity strategy
Each sector has its own unique risks. Developing a cybersecurity strategy that matches the specific risks of the sector in which the organization operates is important to adequately ward off threats.
📌 Preparing for a cyber incident
Directors need to know what steps to take in the event of a cyber incident. This includes both crisis communication and damage control to minimize the impact on the organization.
📌 Understanding legal obligations
NIS2 brings legal and regulatory obligations, such as incident reporting and compliance with security measures. Directors must be well aware of these to comply with the law and avoid potential fines.
📌 Establishing an effective governance structure
It is up to directors to establish an effective governance structure for managing cybersecurity. This includes not only internal processes but also accountability to regulatory bodies.
At Fendix, we are happy to help you raise NIS2 awareness within your organization, both for employees and management. Wondering how we can support your organization? Let's meet without obligation!
