NIS2 is Coming: Is Your Business Ready for Europe's New Cybersecurity Rules?

You've likely heard about the NIS2 Directive, the EU's major update to cybersecurity regulations. If you operate within Europe, you might be wondering: "Is this mandatory for my company too?" The short answer is likely yes, and it's set to significantly impact how businesses manage their IT systems and overall cybersecurity posture.

Why NIS2? Strengthening Europe's Digital Defenses

The core goal of NIS2 is to establish a consistent, high level of cybersecurity across all EU member states. It aims to create standardized rules and minimum security requirements to better protect both your company's data and that of your customers.

This isn't happening in a vacuum. Europe remains a prime target for cybercriminals. Reports, like the ENISA Threat Landscape, highlight that phishing attacks are rampant and increasingly sophisticated, making it difficult for many businesses to defend themselves effectively.

The Growing Threat vs. Lagging Defenses

Cyberattacks are becoming more advanced, but unfortunately, business cybersecurity measures often struggle to keep pace. Attackers frequently target small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), but also critical sectors like finance and healthcare, which handle sensitive data. This gap is precisely what NIS2 aims to address.

When Does NIS2 Take Effect? The Clock is Ticking!

While NIS2 entered into force at the EU level in early 2023, the crucial deadline is October 17, 2024. By this date, all EU member states must have integrated the directive into their national laws. This means businesses need to be actively preparing now to ensure compliance.

How Can You Comply and Protect Your Company from Hackers?

NIS2 mandates robust measures to protect your company from hackers and common threats like ransomware and phishing. This involves implementing comprehensive risk management and incident response strategies.

This is where tools designed for modern threats become essential. NotJustVPN helps bolster your defenses against prevalent attacks like phishing and scams. Crucially, we focus on simplicity, ensuring that enhanced security doesn't create complexity for your employees.

NotJustVPN: A Key Part of Your Cybersecurity Toolkit

NotJustVPN contributes to your cybersecurity resilience by helping you:

• Detect Malicious Emails: Identify phishing attempts before they trick employees.
• Analyze Files for Malware: Scan attachments and downloads for hidden threats.
• Spot AI-Generated Fakes: Detect potentially misleading content crafted by AI.
• Scan Suspicious Links: Analyze URLs for malicious destinations before users click.

By tackling these common entry points for attackers, NotJustVPN acts as a vital layer in your defense strategy, helping protect your data and maximize business continuity.

Key Cybersecurity Measures Required by NIS2:

So, what are the core requirements you need to address? NIS2 emphasizes:

• Risk Analysis & Management: Identifying information security risks and having clear policies.
• Incident Handling: Procedures for detection, response, and recovery from cybersecurity incidents.
• Business Continuity & Crisis Management: Plans to keep operating during and after disruptions.
• Supply Chain Security: Assessing and managing risks associated with suppliers and service providers.
• Security in Network & Information Systems: Robust acquisition, development, and maintenance practices.
• Use of Cryptography & Encryption: Implementing appropriate encryption where needed.
• Cybersecurity Hygiene & Training: Basic security practices and user awareness programs.
• Use of Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): Stronger access controls.

Does My Organization Need to Comply with NIS2?

NIS2 compliance is mandatory for designated entities, and failure to comply can result in significant fines. The directive expands the scope considerably, covering two main categories:

Essential Entities (EE):

Includes sectors like energy, transport, banking & financial market infrastructures, health (including hospitals), drinking water & wastewater, digital infrastructure, public administration, and space. These are often subject to stricter oversight.

Important Entities (IE):

Includes other critical sectors like postal services, waste management, manufacturing of certain goods, digital providers like online marketplaces/search engines, etc., often subject to ex-post supervision.

Note: Specific thresholds based on company size often apply. Check your national transposition for exact details.

How NotJustVPN Helps Protect Your Business:

While NIS2 requires a broad strategy, tackling phishing and scams is fundamental. Our tool helps shield your organization against a vast majority (estimated 98%) of these common cyberattacks. By protecting your team from malicious links, emails, and files, NotJustVPN is a practical step you can take to protect your company from hackers and secure your valuable data under the new NIS2 framework.

Conclusion: Prepare Your Business for NIS2 Compliance

The NIS2 Directive represents a significant shift in how businesses must approach cybersecurity. By understanding the requirements and implementing appropriate measures now, you can ensure your business is not only compliant but also better protected against evolving cyber threats.

NotJustVPN can be an integral part of your NIS2 compliance strategy, helping you address key requirements while providing practical protection against common attack vectors. Don't wait until the deadline approaches—start strengthening your cybersecurity posture today.