Is your organization ready for NIS2? The new EU directive on cybersecurity is not just a set of regulations; it’s a mindset shift towards protecting data and infrastructure. Many companies focus on technology and procedures, forgetting one crucial element – people. They are either the weakest (or the strongest!) link in cybersecurity.
What is NIS2 and Why Does it Matter?
NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2) is an EU directive that expands and tightens cybersecurity requirements for a broad range of entities. It affects not only critical sectors like energy and transport but also many industries that were previously unregulated. Non-compliance penalties? They can be severe, and accountability extends to company executives.
Sounds serious, right? But instead of panicking, it’s better to prepare your organization and focus on actions that will genuinely enhance security. One of the key elements of an NIS2-compliant strategy is cyber hygiene and employee awareness.
What is Cyber Hygiene?
Cyber hygiene is nothing more than daily habits and best practices for staying secure online. Just as you take care of personal hygiene—washing your hands and avoiding suspicious food—you should also safeguard your digital security. And the same applies to your employees!
Basic Cyber Hygiene Principles:
- Strong and unique passwords – No more “Admin123” or “Qwerty2024.” A password manager is your best friend!
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) – An extra layer of security that can save your company from account takeovers.
- Regular software updates – Unpatched systems are an open door for cybercriminals.
- Avoiding suspicious links and attachments – Phishing remains one of the biggest threats.
- Safe use of work devices – No plugging in personal USB drives or using unauthorized apps.
Even the best technology is useless if employees don’t know how to use it securely. Cybersecurity training is a must for NIS2 compliance. But beware—boring, one-off presentations won’t cut it. The key is continuous education and building a security-conscious culture within the company.
How to Do It Effectively?
- Regular training – Short, practical, and engaging. No dry theory!
- Phishing attack simulations – The best way to test employee alertness.
- Gamification and rewards – The more motivation, the better the results.
- Clear procedures and communication – Employees must know whom to report suspicious incidents to.
Leadership Must Be On Board
Cybersecurity isn’t just an IT problem. NIS2 mandates that company executives actively participate in security processes. This means greater responsibility but also better risk control.
What does this mean in practice? Leaders must set an example – if the CEO uses the same password for everything, it’s hard to expect employees to do better. It’s also essential to invest in training and security tools instead of treating cybersecurity as an unnecessary expense.
NIS2 compliance is not just about ticking regulatory boxes; it’s about building a resilient and aware organization. Cyber hygiene and employee education are the foundations of an effective security strategy. Don’t wait for a major security breach—start acting now and ensure your company is ready for new challenges.
Remember, technology can fail, but an aware employee is the best line of defense.
