Cyberattacks are making headlines more than ever, with serious consequences for both business operations and the protection of personal data. That’s why organizations are now obligated to implement appropriate safeguards. But how do you approach this in practice?
What Does NIS2 Actually Say?
The NIS2 Directive requires organizations to implement adequate measures to secure their network and information systems. It defines 10 essential security measures, including risk management, incident response, business continuity, cryptography, and third-party security.
While these measures may seem broad and vague, they are deliberately formulated that way, to support a comprehensive and flexible security structure.
Why These Measures Matter
The strength of the NIS2 measures lies in their holistic nature. They’re designed to address all phases of cybersecurity:
- Prevention (e.g., risk analysis)
- Detection (e.g., incident management)
- Response & Recovery (e.g., business continuity)
This structure also helps protect personal data, which makes it highly relevant for GDPR compliance as well.
IT: The Weakest Link in Most Organizations
In almost every business, ICT remains the most vulnerable area. Think phishing emails, weak passwords, outdated software, or poorly configured networks. A single weak spot can result in large-scale data breaches.
That’s why implementing all 10 NIS2 measures is critical. Partial compliance leads to guaranteed security gaps.
From General to Practical: Making NIS2 Work
So how do you turn general policy into concrete action?
By aligning the 10 NIS2 measures with well-known frameworks like ISO 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. These provide concrete checklists and controls that map directly to NIS2 requirements, turning broad objectives into actionable steps.
Why Regular Audits Are Essential
Setting up the right measures is just the beginning. Since cyber threats are constantly evolving, ongoing monitoring is non-negotiable.
💡 Regular audits that explicitly evaluate how well your organization applies each of the 10 NIS2 measures are vital to staying compliant, and truly secure.
Conclusion: Start Now, Stay Ahead
While the 10 NIS2 obligations may seem abstract at first, they form the foundation of any effective cybersecurity and privacy strategy. By aligning them with existing standards and auditing regularly, you don’t just protect your IT infrastructure, you safeguard every stakeholder’s trust in your organization.
📍 Want to simplify your NIS2 approach? RealCob helps you implement, track and improve all 10 measures, department by department.