Is there such a thing as NIS2 certification?
Although the term is used here and there, NIS2 certification is technically incorrect. The NIS2 Directive is European legislation that requires organizations to demonstrate that their cybersecurity, risk management, and incident management are in order. This is explicitly legislation, not a standard or certification scheme.
Unlike ISO standards (such as ISO 27001), there is no official NIS2 certificate. However, this does not mean that organizations can sit back and relax. The obligation is not to obtain a certificate, but to be able to demonstrate compliance. Organizations must show that they have structural control over risks, security measures, and incidents.
Why is "NIS2 certification" still being used?
Organizations must be able to demonstrate that they comply with the NIS2 requirements, that security measures are structurally organized, and that risks and incidents are actively managed. In practice, this is sometimes summarized as "NIS2 certification," while in reality it is about NIS2 compliance.
Anyone who cannot demonstrate compliance with the law is at risk. This includes substantial fines, potential liability for directors, and significant reputational damage. Compliance is therefore not only an IT issue, but also a management responsibility.
How do you demonstrate NIS2 compliance?
In the absence of an official NIS2 certificate, many organizations are looking for other ways to demonstrate compliance. This is often done through a combination of policy documentation, risk analyses, technical and organizational measures, and internal or external audits.
A frequently chosen route is to perform an NIS2 gap analysis. This gives you insight into where your organization stands in relation to the requirements and what steps are needed to become compliant. For organizations that want to offer structural certainty to customers, regulators, and chain partners, certification against existing standards is often a logical next step.
NIS2 and ISO 27001: what is the difference?
The content of the ISO 27001 standard closely aligns with the requirements of NIS2. Topics such as risk management, incident response, supplier management, governance, and business continuity are covered extensively in both frameworks.
Those who implement ISO 27001 correctly will already comply with a large part of the NIS2 obligations. It is not a one-to-one replacement for the legislation, but it does offer a robust and recognized framework for demonstrable information security. You can read more about the similarities and differences between ISO 27001 and NIS2 here.
NIS2 Supply Chain (NIS2 SC) certification
In addition to ISO 27001, there is also the NIS2 Supply Chain certificate (formerly NIS2 Quality Mark). This is not an official European or national certificate, but a practice-oriented certificate that helps organizations demonstrate their NIS2 compliance. This can be particularly valuable for suppliers in the chain of NIS2-compliant organizations, as customers are increasingly asking for demonstrable security.
Why demonstrability remains necessary
The lack of official NIS2 certification does not mean that organizations have fewer obligations. On the contrary: organizations in essential and important sectors must simply comply with the law and be able to prove it. Working with ISO 27001, the NIS2 Supply Chain certificate, or a combination of both, not only ensures compliance but also builds trust among customers, regulators, and supply chain partners.
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