Explaining NIS2 Directive – Top tips for UK companies
The NIS2 Directive, also known as the Network and Information Systems Directive, is the latest EU-wide legislation on cybersecurity, set to come into force on 18th October 2024.
In the United Kingdom, the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has introduced the NIS regulation aimed at enhancing the cybersecurity capabilities of organisations operating in critical sectors. The NIS2 Directive expands the scope of cybersecurity legislation to cover new sectors and entities, building upon its predecessor, the NIS Directive.
The UK government is currently reviewing the effectiveness of NIS2 and whether to implement it in some form. However, UK companies should prepare for the likely implementation of either the NIS2 requirement itself or a UK-modified version.
As cyber threats continue to evolve and become increasingly sophisticated, it is crucial to understand the implications of this Directive and how it affects your organisation.
Understanding the key points of the NIS2 Directive
The NIS2 Directive introduces several key points organisations must know to ensure compliance.
Firstly, NIS2 expands the scope of regulated entities, encompassing not only operators of essential services but also a broader range of digital service providers. This wider scope ensures that various organisations are held accountable for robust cybersecurity practices.
Additionally, NIS2 emphasises the importance of risk management and incident response. Organisations must implement appropriate security measures and establish incident response capabilities to handle cyber incidents effectively. By focusing on proactive risk management and incident handling, NIS2 aims to minimise the impact of cyber threats and ensure the continuity of critical services.
Who does NIS2 apply to?
The NIS2 Directive applies to any organisation operating or carrying out activities within the EU that provide an essential service to consumers.
This includes entities that fit the description of an ‘essential’ or ‘important’ organisation in a defined list of sectors, such as internet providers, energy suppliers, drinking water companies, waste processors, banks, transporters, healthcare institutions, factories producing food, and digital infrastructure providers.
Key requirements of the NIS2 Directive
These requirements aim to promote a cybersecurity culture and ensure the resilience of essential services.
Risk management and incident response: Organisations must conduct regular risk assessments to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities. They must also have robust incident response plans to respond to and recover from cyber incidents effectively.
Security measures: Organisations must implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure the security of their networks and information systems. This includes access controls, encryption, and regular security updates.
Reporting requirements: Organisations must report significant cyber incidents to the relevant authorities.
Steps to navigate the impact of NIS2 on your business
While complying with the NIS2 Directive may seem daunting, organisations can take several steps to navigate its impact effectively.
Evaluate the scope of the Directive:
Determine whether your organisation falls within the scope of the NIS2 Directive.
Assess your current cybersecurity measures:
Conduct a comprehensive assessment of your organisation’s existing cybersecurity measures. Identify any gaps or weaknesses and prioritise areas that require improvement.
Develop a cybersecurity strategy:
Develop a robust cybersecurity strategy that aligns with the requirements of the NIS2 Directive. This strategy should include policies, procedures, and technical controls to protect your critical infrastructure or digital services.
Establish incident response capabilities:
Implement an effective incident response plan that outlines the steps to be taken during a cyber incident. This plan should include roles and responsibilities, communication protocols, and mechanisms for reporting incidents to the relevant authorities.
Engage with cybersecurity professionals:
Collaborate with cybersecurity professionals who can provide expertise and guidance in implementing the necessary cybersecurity measures. They can help identify vulnerabilities, recommend appropriate controls, and improve overall compliance.
Monitor and update:
Regularly monitor and update your cybersecurity measures as required. Stay informed about emerging threats and evolving best practices to ensure ongoing compliance with the NIS2 Directive.
Best practices for implementing cybersecurity measures under NIS2
Implementing effective cybersecurity measures is crucial for complying with the NIS2 Directive and protecting your organisation from cyber threats. Here are some best practices to consider:
Access controls:
Implement strong access controls to restrict unauthorised access to your systems. This includes multi-factor authentication, regular password updates, and user privilege management.
Regular security updates:
Keep your software and systems up to date with the latest security patches. Hackers can exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software to gain unauthorised access to your infrastructure.
Employee awareness and training:
Provide regular training to your employees on cybersecurity best practices. This includes educating them about phishing attacks, social engineering techniques, and the importance of strong passwords.
What are the implications of non-compliance?
Here are some of the potential consequences of non-compliance:
Heavy fines: Organisations that fail to comply with the NIS2 directive can face substantial fines. The specific fines may vary depending on the Member State, but the directive establishes a minimum list of administrative sanctions for breach of cybersecurity risk management and reporting obligations. For essential entities, the fines can be up to €10 million or 2% of global turnover, whichever is higher.
For important entities, the fines can be up to €7 million or 1.4% of global turnover, whichever is higher.
Non-monetary remedies: In addition to fines, national supervisory authorities have the authority to enforce non-monetary remedies for non-compliance. These remedies may include compliance orders, binding instructions, security audit implementation orders, and threat notification orders to entities’ customers.
Criminal sanctions: Non-compliance with the NIS2 directive can also lead to criminal sanctions.
Impact on reputation and trust: Non-compliance with cybersecurity regulations can damage an organisation’s reputation and erode trust among customers, partners, and stakeholders. This can have long-term consequences for the organisation’s business operations and relationships
Embracing the opportunities of NIS2 for enhanced cybersecurity
The NIS2 Directive presents both challenges and opportunities for organisations. While compliance with the directive may require significant investments in cybersecurity measures, it also offers an opportunity to strengthen the resilience of critical infrastructure and digital services.
Contact Northdoor today by email or call 020 7448 8500 to find out more about our fast, fixed-cost security assessment workshops.
You’ll benefit from our in-depth technical review of your current stance, backed by best-practice guidance from our expert consultants, helping you take your cyber security to the next level.