Navigating NIS2 Compliance: A Strategic Imperative for Security

In an era of escalating cyber threats, the Directive on Network Information and Security (NIS2) is a game-changer for cybersecurity across the European Union. This directive sets new standards for the EU and beyond, impacting entities around the world. Understanding and complying with NIS2 is crucial for organizations to safeguard their operations and maintain regulatory compliance.

The evolution of NIS2

The NIS2 directive was introduced in response to the increasing frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks, the challenges posed by digitalization, and the limitations of the original NIS Directive. Effective starting October 2024, EU member states are required to transpose NIS2 into national law, mandating robust cybersecurity measures for critical sectors such as energy, transport, banking, health, and digital infrastructure.

Key features of NIS2

NIS2 mandates compliance for organizations that meet specific size and revenue thresholds; categories include:

• Essential Entities: Organizations with 250+ employees, €50 million in annual turnover, or a balance sheet of €43 million. These entities are subject to proactive monitoring, stricter controls, and higher penalties.
• Important Entities: Organizations with 50+ employees, €10 million in annual turnover, or a balance sheet of €10 million. These entities are audited post-incident or upon compliance concerns.

Certain entities, regardless of size, such as providers of public electronic communications networks or services, are also included.

Penalties for non-compliance

Noncompliance with NIS2 can result in significant penalties, including:

• Essential Entities: Fines of up to €10 million or 2% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.
• Important Entities: Fines of up to €7 million or 1.4% of annual global turnover, whichever is higher.

Local enforcement is conducted by national authorities, ensuring that guidelines are tailored to align with EU-wide objectives.

Key cybersecurity measures under NIS2

Organizations must implement risk-based security measures, tailored to their operational and technological needs. These measures include:

• Risk Management: Comprehensive asset visibility, risk prioritization, and secure system architectures.
• Business Continuity: Robust prevent, detection, and recovery mechanisms.
• Incident Response: Detailed plans for handling security incidents and prompt reporting processes.
• Supply Chain Security: Secure components and verified supplier security practices.
• Security Measures: Zero-trust principles, cryptographic protections, and secure communications.
• Human Resources Security: Comprehensive cybersecurity training and awareness programs.

How Extreme Networks helps supports NIS2 compliance

Extreme Networks offers cutting-edge solutions to help organizations achieve NIS2 compliance and strengthen their cybersecurity posture, including benefits such as:

• Network Visibility and Risk Analysis: ExtremeCloud™ IQ provides in-depth asset inventories, threat prioritization, and actionable analytics.
• Incident Detection and Response: ExtremeControl network access control provides endpoint an access incident reports and remediation. Extreme AirDefense™ comprehensivewireless intrusion prevention system (WIPS) provides automated detection, reporting and response to wireless network incidents.
• Supply Chain Security: Extreme hardware adheres to ISA/IEC 62443 standards,  ExtremeCloud IQ conforms to ISO / IEC 27017 / IEC 27001 and ISO / IEC 27701. It is designed to facilitate compliance with US and international data privacy regulations including CCPA/CPRA, GDPR, and other international regulation to help ensure secure-by-design deployments.
• Zero Trust Architectures: Universal ZTNA provides identity-based zero trust access control for networks and applications, and ExtremeControl NAC enforces least-privilege access policy.
• Cybersecurity Best Practices: Expert support to enhance cybersecurity awareness and resilience.