Get Ready for NIS2: Ensuring Compliance Made Easy

Welcome to our blog, where we delve into the intricacies of cybersecurity legislation, particularly focusing on the new European Cybersecurity Directive, NIS2, and the solutions available for compliance. Join us as we explore the challenges, strategies, and partnerships necessary for navigating the complex landscape of cybersecurity regulations.

Understanding NIS2: A Comprehensive Overview

In a recent discussion with Bernd Vellguth a specialist for risk management and compliance at Microsoft, we gained invaluable insights into the forthcoming European Cybersecurity Directive, NIS2. This legislation, set to become effective in just seven months, marks a significant shift in cybersecurity requirements for organizations operating within the European Union.

NIS2 represents the most comprehensive cybersecurity legislation to date, expanding its scope to cover eight new sectors and a broader range of companies. The directive aims to establish a baseline of security, risk management, and reporting capabilities, elevating cybersecurity awareness and resilience across the EU.

Key aspects of NIS2 include:

• Expanded Coverage: NIS2 extends its reach to encompass previously underserved sectors, such as drinking water, wastewater management, and public administration, among others.

• Stricter Requirements: With heightened emphasis on business continuity and high availability of services, NIS2 places greater responsibility on organizations, including top management, for compliance and risk mitigation.

• Incident Reporting Obligations: The directive mandates timely reporting of cybersecurity incidents, fostering transparency and enabling swift response and recovery efforts.

Navigating Compliance with Microsoft Solutions

As organizations gear up to meet the demands of NIS2, Microsoft offers a suite of solutions tailored to address various aspects of cybersecurity risk management. From governance and identity protection to data security and incident management, Microsoft’s offerings align closely with the principles outlined in NIS2.

Key Microsoft solutions for NIS2 compliance include:

• Defender Cloud Security Posture Management: Provides visibility into cloud services and vulnerabilities, aiding in governance and risk management.

• Microsoft Defender for Identity (formerly Azure Advanced Threat Protection): Offers advanced identity management and access control capabilities, essential for safeguarding against unauthorized access.

• Microsoft 365 Defender: Ensures comprehensive protection across endpoints, identities, and cloud applications, enhancing security posture and resilience.

• Azure Network Security: Delivers resilient networking solutions, safeguarding against threats and ensuring uninterrupted service availability.

In the journey towards NIS2 compliance, strategic partnerships play a crucial role in augmenting organizations’ cybersecurity capabilities. Ontinue, a seasoned cybersecurity company with extensive experience in managed detection and response services, offers valuable support in operationalizing cybersecurity measures and streamlining compliance efforts.

Key offerings from Ontinue include:

• Managed Detection and Response Services: Leveraging advanced technologies and expert services, Ontinue provides round-the-clock monitoring and response to cybersecurity threats.

• Cybersecurity Framework Integration: Ontinue assists organizations in integrating technical and operational measures into their cybersecurity framework, aligning with NIS2 requirements, and fostering continuous improvement.

• Reporting and Compliance Support: With robust reporting capabilities and timely incident response, Ontinue helps organizations meet their reporting obligations under NIS2, shifting the focus from detection to prevention.

Conclusion

As the deadline for NIS2 compliance approaches, organizations must prioritize cybersecurity readiness and resilience. By leveraging Microsoft’s innovative solutions and partnering with trusted cybersecurity experts like Ontinue, organizations can navigate the complexities of NIS2 with confidence, safeguarding their operations and maintaining the trust of stakeholders.

Stay tuned for more insights, strategies, and best practices for achieving cybersecurity excellence in an ever-evolving threat landscape.

Contributing Authors

Bernd Vellguth, Compliance Specialist (Global Black Belt), Microsoft 

A seasoned expert in risk management and compliance at Microsoft, providing invaluable insights into cybersecurity legislation and solutions.