Why is the NIS2 directive so important?
The NIS2 directive has recently been released with updated standard for cybersecurity. It is a European Union initiative to raise cybersecurity standards. This is timely as recent high-profile incidents have brought cybersecurity sharply into focus for regulators. International and local authorities are changing how organisations approach cybersecurity. One cornerstone of this change is the revised Network and Information Security Directive (NIS2), introduced by the European Commission. NIS2 came into force in January 2023.
What is the NIS2 directive?
The NIS2 directive focuses on companies working in critical sectors and government organisations, including companies operating in critical sectors including; energy, health, transportation, finance, food, chemicals and government services. These industries are often in the eyeline of cyber crimilanls because of the impact to them and their customers This is exactly why they should take extra measures to protect their network and information systems.
Full name: The full name is “Directive (EU) 2022/2555 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 December 2022 on measures for a high common level of cybersecurity across the Union, amending Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 and Directive (EU) 2018/1972, and repealing Directive (EU) 2016/1148 (NIS 2 Directive)”.
Deadlines: By 17 October 2024, Member States must adopt and publish the measures necessary to comply with the NIS 2 Directive.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) – Ireland
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) was founded in 2011 and is an operational arm of the Department of the Environment, Climate and Communications (DECC). The NCSC is responsible for advising and informing Government IT and Critical National Infrastructure providers of current threats and vulnerabilities associated with network information security.
With an ever-growing reliance on network and information systems, the risks of cyber attacks have also increased significantly. The NIS2 directive aims to protect infrastructure from digital threats in the best possible way. With smart security solutions, you also ensure that you are able to respond quickly and efficiently in case of an incident. You can actually see these new measures as a roadmap to better protect your organisation.
If your organisation is covered by the NIS2 directive, that means you are supposed to meet a number of cybersecurity requirements. Some of the actions are:
- Conducting a risk analysis to identify potential threats and vulnerabilities to your systems
- Implementing appropriate technical and organizational measures to mitigate
- or prevent these risks
- Establishing an incident response plan to respond quickly and effectively to cyber incidents
- Appointing a key contact responsible for cybersecurity within your organization
- Implementing Cybersecurity Awareness trainings
- Participating in audits, inspections or investigations by the competent authority
- Providing necessary information to the competent authority or other relevant parties (such as suppliers or customers) about your cybersecurity status or incidents.
- Continuous monitoring and reporting of your IT infrastructure