Cybersecurity: How can you prepare your company for the new NIS 2 guidelines?

The new NIS 2 guidelines, which came into effect on October 17, 2024, redefine cybersecurity standards for European companies. With a scope extended to 35 sectors and more strict criteria, these regulations impose heightened obligations, particularly for SMEs.

As cyberattacks multiply and artificial intelligence disrupts data management, complying with these directives is no longer an option, but a necessity.

Cybercrime: An ongoing threat

Cybercriminals exploit vulnerabilities in information systems to target vulnerable companies. These often sophisticated attacks spare no one: a poorly protected supplier or service provider can serve as a gateway to larger organizations.

Cybercrime turnover far exceeds that of the global drug market. Faced with this well-organized ecosystem, companies need to understand that inaction is not an option.

Poorly protected systems become easy targets, endangering :

• Sensitive data,
   
• Corporate reputations,
   
• And their financial situation.

The main features of the NIS 2 guidelines

The NIS 2 guidelines aim to strengthen the security of critical infrastructures and strategic sectors in Europe. They now apply to :

• Companies with 50 or more employees, including a wide range of sectors such as agri-food, manufacturing and digital services.
   
• Increased requirements for players deemed essential and important.

The obligations are based on three fundamental pillars:

• Security risk management: risk analysis, vulnerability testing, employee training, implementation of an IT disaster recovery plan (DRP).
   
• Documentation of measures taken: audit reports, contracts and test results must be ready in the event of an audit.
   
• Incident reporting: all significant incidents must be reported to the French National Agency for Security and Information Systems (ANSSI) within a specified timeframe.

Failure to comply with these requirements exposes companies to severe penalties, such as fines of up to 2% of sales or criminal repercussions for managers.

How are you concerned by the NIS 2 directives?

Whether your company is among the critical or important sectors, or a supplier to affected entities, it's imperative to verify your compliance. Even subcontractors must demonstrate that they have implemented robust cybersecurity measures.

This top-down approach makes cybersecurity an essential criterion for collaboration in many sectors.

How can you protect your company?

To meet the requirements of the NIS 2 directives, adopt a proactive strategy and structure your actions around the following points:

• Risk analysis: Identify security gaps in your systems, including those of your partners and subcontractors.
   
• Training and awareness-raising: Human error remains the main vulnerability. Invest in training programs for your staff.
   
• Set up a disaster recovery plan: Provide backup solutions and backups to ensure continuity in the event of an incident.
   
• Regular audits: Carry out internal checks to ensure that your systems comply with standards, and document every action.

The urgent need to protect your sites and applications

Complying with the NIS 2 guidelines is more than just an administrative formality. It represents an opportunity to strengthen your resilience against cyber threats and protect your most valuable assets. Ignoring these obligations could not only be costly in financial terms, but also seriously damage your reputation.

Trust Esokia to secure your websites and mobile applications.

Our cybersecurity experts will support you in implementing the appropriate measures to ensure the protection of your information systems. 

Take the lead today to avoid potentially disastrous consequences tomorrow.
 

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