Network and Information Systems (NIS2)

What is the NIS2 directive?

The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive 2) is a further development of the original NIS Directive from 2016 and was introduced by the European Union to raise cybersecurity standards in Europe. Its aim is to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructures against cyber attacks, improve protection against IT security incidents and intensify cooperation between EU member states.

At its core, NIS2 is about defining uniform minimum requirements for cyber security that companies and organizations in certain sectors must comply with. These minimum requirements relate, among other things, to risk management, reporting obligations in the event of security incidents and the protection of IT systems and data.

The NIS2 Directive affects companies and organizations that operate in sectors classified as critical. These include energy, healthcare, transportation, finance, digital infrastructure and the public sector. Large companies that offer services in the field of information and communication technology (ICT) are also included. It is important to note that the NIS2 is not only aimed at large companies, but also at small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) if they play a significant role in the affected sectors.

A central element of NIS2 is the obligation to report cyber security incidents. Companies must report incidents to the competent national authorities within a certain period of time in order to enable a rapid response to threats.

Overall, the NIS2 should help to improve the cyber security situation in Europe and strengthen the resilience of the European economy against growing threats in the digital space.

Application not just in IT

The NIS2 directive not only affects traditional IT infrastructures, but also operational technology (OT), i.e. those systems that are used to control and monitor physical processes in industrial environments. OT systems play a central role in critical infrastructure, for example in the energy supply, water management, transportation and manufacturing industries. As these systems are becoming increasingly digitalized and networked, the risk of cyberattacks on OT environments is also increasing.

The NIS2 extends the security requirements to these operational technologies to mitigate the growing threats to industrial systems. Traditionally, OT systems were often isolated and not connected to the internet, making them less vulnerable to cyberattacks. However, with increasing digitalization and the integration of IT and OT systems, new points of attack are emerging. This development makes the protection of OT systems just as important as the protection of traditional IT infrastructures.

Relevant security requirements include implementing robust risk management measures, ensuring continuous monitoring and maintenance of systems and reporting security incidents to the relevant authorities. A security incident in an OT environment can have a serious impact on public safety and supply chains, for example through the failure of power grids, waterworks or production facilities.

NIS2 will therefore ensure that companies also better protect their OT systems in order to prevent serious disruptions to critical infrastructures. This means that organizations that use OT must adapt their cybersecurity strategies and implement appropriate protection mechanisms in these areas too.

Our contribution

In-depth expertise in the NIS Directive Our specialists have in-depth knowledge of the NIS Directive and know which steps are necessary for effective implementation. We see the legal requirements not only as a challenge, but also as an opportunity to improve your systems.

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