How to Prepare for the NIS2 Directive

The Network and Information Security Directive, known as NIS2 and effective beginning October 17, 2024, requires Member States to adopt and publish the national measures necessary to ensure compliance with the directive. Industrial organizations will have 21 months to bring their operations into full compliance.

The NIS1 and NIS2 directives have significantly impacted organizations' need to ensure and demonstrate that their employees are trained in cybersecurity awareness. Both directives emphasize the importance of cybersecurity training and awareness among employees, which is a critical component of an organization’s overall security posture. 

NIS2 Directive
The NIS2 Directive, adopted in January 2023, expands and strengthens the NIS1 directive's requirements. The primary objective of the NIS2 Directive specifically addresses the need for cybersecurity awareness and training among employees and includes more explicit provisions regarding workforce safety and employee-facing policies.

Key Points in NIS2 Regarding Employee Training and Workforce Safety

1. Mandatory Management Oversight:

1. • NIS2 requires management bodies of essential and important entities to approve and supervise the implementation of cybersecurity risk-management measures. This includes ensuring that employees are adequately trained in cybersecurity practices.
2. Security Requirements:

• • The directive mandates that organizations must implement "appropriate and proportionate technical and organizational measures" to manage cybersecurity risks. This encompasses regular cybersecurity training for staff, covering policies, procedures, and governance structures.
  • Specific measures include incident handling, business continuity, supply chain security, vulnerability handling and disclosure, and encryption. Employee training is essential to ensure these measures are effectively implemented.

3. Awareness and Training Programs:

• • Organizations are required to establish and maintain comprehensive cybersecurity awareness and training programs. This is to ensure that all employees, particularly those in critical roles, are aware of cybersecurity risks and understand how to mitigate them. 

• • The directive also encourages organizations to conduct regular training and awareness sessions to keep employees updated on the latest cybersecurity threats and best practices.

4. Documentation and Reporting:

• • NIS2 requires entities to document their cybersecurity measures, including training programs, and be prepared to present this documentation to regulators during audits and inspections.
  • Regular reporting on cybersecurity incidents and the effectiveness of training programs is also mandated, emphasizing the need for continuous improvement and accountability in cybersecurity practices.

Building a Culture of Security: Transforming Cybersecurity Compliance from a Checkbox to Continuous Improvement

With the implementation of the NIS2 Directive, organizations are under increased scrutiny to ensure robust cybersecurity measures, including comprehensive employee training programs. The consequences of violating NIS1 and NIS2 are severe, ranging from substantial fines to reputational damage. Non-compliance can lead to penalties up to the higher of $10 million or 2 percent of global annual turnover, alongside mandatory public disclosures of non-compliance. 

The transition from NIS1 to NIS2, alongside GDPR and other regulatory frameworks in the UK and USA, signals a broader trend towards enhanced oversight and accountability in cyber risk management. These regulations present a significant opportunity for organizations to move beyond annual compliance checkboxes and towards continuous improvement in cybersecurity practices. Embracing NIS2's rigorous training requirements allows companies to level set their programs, ensuring consistent and up-to-date cybersecurity awareness across the workforce. 

By fostering a mature approach to managing human risk, organizations can transform their cybersecurity posture, reducing vulnerabilities and enhancing compliance. Companies that integrate these practices into their core operations will not only comply with regulations but will also create a more secure, resilient, and trustworthy environment for their customers and partners.