Guide to NIS2 Compliance and Requirements
What is NIS2?
NIS2 stands for the Network and Information Security Directive 2, which is a new cybersecurity directive in the European Union. It aims to make companies and organizations better protected against cyber threats, like hacking and data breaches.
Why is it important?
NIS2 requires businesses to have stronger security measures to protect their digital systems and customer data. It also makes it mandatory to report serious cyber incidents quickly.
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If you are under NIS2…
1. Understand NIS2 Requirements
Determine Applicability: Verify if your company is classified as an Essential Entity (e.g., energy, healthcare, finance) or an Important Entity (e.g., digital services, manufacturing).
Compliance Obligations: Familiarize yourself with obligations like risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security.
2. Conduct Risk Assessments
Identify Risks: Regularly assess cybersecurity risks to your systems, data, and supply chain.
Impact Analysis: Evaluate the impact of potential cyber incidents on business operations.
Risk Mitigation: Implement measures like network segmentation, access controls, and data encryption.
3. Implement Security Measures
Access Control: Enforce multi-factor authentication (MFA) and restrict access based on user roles.
Data Protection: Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest to prevent unauthorized access.
Vulnerability Management: Regularly patch systems and perform security testing.
Penetration testing: Perform periodic penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities
Incident Detection: Use monitoring tools to detect and respond to suspicious activities in real time.
4. Incident Reporting and Response
Mandatory Reporting: Report major cyber incidents within 24 to 72 hours to the relevant national authority.
Incident Response Plan: Develop a response plan detailing:
Containment and Recovery Procedures
Communication Protocols (including notifying affected users and partners)
Incident Drills: Conduct regular drills to test and improve your incident response plan.
5. Supply Chain Security
Third-Party Risk Management: Assess the cybersecurity posture of your suppliers and partners.
Security Requirements in Contracts: Include security obligations, incident reporting timelines, and compliance requirements in contracts.
Continuous Monitoring: Monitor third-party access and activities to detect potential threats.
6. Governance and Compliance
Appoint a Security Officer: Designate a person responsible for cybersecurity compliance and incident reporting.
Documentation: Keep records of:
Risk Assessments and Security Audits
Incident Reports and Responses
Compliance Evidence (e.g., policy updates, training records)
Audits and Reviews: Conduct regular internal and external audits to ensure compliance with NIS2.
7. Employee Training and Awareness
Cybersecurity Training: Educate employees on security best practices, phishing prevention, and incident reporting.
Phishing Simulations: Conduct regular simulations to enhance employee awareness and resilience.
8. Continuous Improvement and Collaboration
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Collaborate with industry peers and authorities to share threat intelligence.
Policy Updates: Regularly update security policies and procedures to align with evolving threats and compliance requirements.
If you are in supply chain…
1. Understand NIS2 Requirements
Identify Applicability: Determine if your company is classified as an essential or important entity under NIS2.
Compliance Obligations: Understand your obligations, including risk management, incident reporting, and third-party security requirements.
2. Conduct Risk Assessments
Supply Chain Mapping: Identify all partners, suppliers, and third-party vendors.
Risk Evaluation: Assess cybersecurity risks related to each partner, especially for critical systems and data.
Risk Mitigation: Implement security controls to minimize risks, such as segmentation of supplier networks.
3. Implement Security Measures
Access Control: Limit supplier access to necessary systems and use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).
Data Protection: Encrypt sensitive data and ensure secure data transfers between supply chain partners.
Vulnerability Management: Regularly patch systems and conduct security testing.
Penetration testing: Perform periodic penetration tests to identify vulnerabilities
4. Review and Update Contracts
Security Requirements in Contracts: Include cybersecurity requirements, such as incident reporting timelines, compliance with NIS2, and security audit rights.
Third-Party Liability Clauses: Clearly define responsibilities for data breaches or security incidents.
5. Incident Reporting and Response
Incident Detection: Implement monitoring tools to detect and respond to cyber incidents quickly.
Reporting Obligations: Be prepared to report incidents to the relevant authorities within 24-72 hours, as mandated by NIS2.
Incident Response Plan: Develop and test incident response plans, including communication procedures with partners.
6. Continuous Monitoring and Threat Intelligence
Security Monitoring: Continuously monitor systems for unusual activities or potential breaches.
Threat Intelligence Sharing: Collaborate with supply chain partners to share threat intelligence and improve security awareness.
7. Employee Training and Awareness
Cybersecurity Training: Educate employees on cybersecurity best practices, including phishing prevention and incident reporting.
Supply Chain Collaboration: Encourage cybersecurity awareness across the entire supply chain.
8. Documentation and Compliance Audits
Maintain Records: Keep detailed documentation of security policies, risk assessments, incident reports, and compliance audits.
Regular Audits: Conduct regular security and compliance audits to ensure NIS2 adherence.