Essential Security Measures for NIS2 Compliance: A 10-Step Guide

The NIS2 Directive introduces new requirements for organisations in four main areas: risk management, corporate accountability, reporting obligations, and business continuity. In addition, NIS2 compliance requires essential and important entities to implement basic security measures to tackle specific cyber threats. We’ve put together a short guide on the minimum security measures required under the NIS2 Directive to help you stay compliant.

10 minimum security measures required for NIS2 Compliance

1. Risk Assessment

Conduct regular risk assessments to identify vulnerabilities and potential threats. This proactive approach helps organisations understand their risks and prioritise security efforts.

2. Incident Response

Establish a clear incident response plan that outlines procedures for detecting, responding to, and recovering from cybersecurity incidents. This plan should include roles and responsibilities for team members.

3. Business Continuity Planning

Develop and maintain a business continuity plan to ensure that critical operations can continue during and after a cyber incident. This includes strategies for system recovery and communication during crises.

4. Access Control

Implement strict access control measures to ensure that only authorised personnel can access sensitive information and systems. This includes using multi-factor authentication and regularly reviewing access permissions.

5. Security Policies

Create comprehensive security policies that outline the organization’s approach to cybersecurity. These policies should be regularly reviewed and updated to reflect changes in the threat landscape.

6. Security Awareness Training

Provide ongoing security awareness training for all employees. This training should cover essential topics such as phishing awareness, password management, and safe online practices to reduce human error. Engaging training programmes can significantly reduce the risk of human error, a common factor in security breaches.

7. Vulnerability Management

Establish a vulnerability management programme to regularly identify, assess, and remediate security vulnerabilities in systems and applications. Includes timely patching of software and hardware.

8. Monitoring and Logging

Implement continuous monitoring and logging of network activities to detect suspicious behaviour and potential security incidents. This helps organisations respond quickly to threats.

9. Supply Chain Security

Assess and manage risks associated with third-party suppliers and partners. Ensure that they adhere to similar security standards to protect against vulnerabilities in the supply chain.

10. Data Protection

Implement measures to protect sensitive data, including encryption and secure data storage practices. Regularly review data handling procedures to ensure compliance with data protection regulations.

Need guidance?

Need guidance about your security measures? Reach out to us on 0818 987 900 or email us at hello@intuity.ie and our experts will be happy to help.

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