Navigating NIS2: What Irish Businesses Need to Know
The Network and Information Security Directive 2 (NIS2) is a significant update to the original NIS Directive, aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across the European Union. With the deadline for compliance set for October 17, 2024, Irish businesses must understand and implement the necessary measures to meet these new requirements. This blog will outline the base requirements of NIS2 and provide practical steps for Irish businesses to achieve compliance.
Understanding NIS2
NIS2 aims to bolster the resilience of critical infrastructure and essential services against cyber threats. It expands the scope of the original directive to include more sectors and introduces stricter requirements for cybersecurity measures and incident reporting.
Base Requirements of NIS2
- Risk Management: Organizations must conduct regular risk assessments and implement appropriate security measures to manage identified risks. This includes incident management, supply chain security, network security, access control, and encryption.
- Corporate Accountability: Management must oversee and approve cybersecurity measures, ensuring they are adequately trained to address cyber risks. Non-compliance can lead to penalties, including liability and potential bans from management roles.
- Reporting Obligations: Essential and important entities must have processes in place for prompt reporting of significant security incidents. NIS2 sets specific notification deadlines, such as a 24-hour “early warning”12.
- Business Continuity: Organizations must plan for business continuity in the event of major cyber incidents. This includes system recovery, emergency procedures, and setting up a crisis response team.
- Baseline Security Measures: NIS2 mandates the implementation of baseline security measures to address likely cyber threats. These include:
- Risk assessments and security policies for information systems.
- Policies for evaluating the effectiveness of security measures.
- Use of cryptography and encryption.
- Incident handling and reporting procedures.
- Cybersecurity training and basic computer hygiene practices.
- Security procedures for employees with access to sensitive data.
- Up-to-date backups and plans for managing business operations during and after a security incident.
- Multi-factor authentication and encrypted communication12.
Steps for Irish Businesses to Achieve Compliance
- Perform a Gap Analysis: Assess your current cybersecurity framework to identify gaps and areas needing improvement to meet NIS2 requirements.
- Implement Risk Management Measures: Develop and implement comprehensive risk management strategies, including regular risk assessments and incident response plans
- Develop and Test Incident Response Plans: Create detailed incident response plans and conduct regular tests to ensure they are effective
- Focus on Governance and Accountability: Ensure that management is involved in overseeing cybersecurity measures and is adequately trained to handle cyber risks
- Secure Your Supply Chain: Implement security measures to protect your supply chain and ensure that your suppliers also comply with NIS2 standards
- Develop and Test Business Continuity Plans: Create and regularly test business continuity plans to ensure your organization can continue operating during and after a cyber incident
- Provide Cybersecurity Awareness and Training: Conduct regular cybersecurity training for employees to promote awareness and good practices
- Perform Regular Audits: Conduct regular audits of your cybersecurity measures to ensure ongoing compliance with NIS2
