NIS2 Directive: What Your Company Must Do to Stay Compliant (And Why Orangutans Would Approve)
Introduction: Why NIS2 Matters More Than a Banana to an Orangutan
Imagine a world where cybersecurity is as instinctive as an orangutan swinging from tree to tree—agile, strong, and always one step ahead of danger. That’s the vision behind the NIS2 Directive, the EU’s updated rulebook for protecting critical infrastructure and digital services from cyber threats. If your company operates in sectors like energy, transport, health, or digital infrastructure, NIS2 isn’t just another acronym to ignore—it’s the law, and non-compliance could cost you more than just a fine.
So, what’s changed, and what do you need to do? Let’s break it down, with a little help from our jungle friends.
What Is NIS2, and Who Does It Affect?
NIS2 (Network and Information Security Directive 2) is the EU’s answer to rising cyber threats. It replaces the original NIS Directive, expanding its scope to cover more sectors and introducing stricter rules for risk management, incident reporting, and corporate accountability. If your business is deemed “essential” or “important” under NIS2, you’re in scope—whether you’re a large enterprise or a medium-sized company in a critical sectordigital-strategy.ec.europa.eu+2.
Key sectors covered:
Energy, transport, banking, financial market infrastructures
Health, drinking water, wastewater
Digital infrastructure, ICT service management, public administration
Space, postal and courier services, waste management, manufacturing of critical products
Size-cap rule: Unlike its predecessor, NIS2 uses a size-cap rule to determine which companies must comply, so even medium-sized businesses may be included
The Four Pillars of NIS2 Compliance
1. Risk Management: Build a Cybersecurity Canopy
NIS2 requires companies to implement robust risk management measures. Think of it as building a sturdy canopy to protect your digital treehouse from storms (or hackers). This includes:
Incident management: Detect, respond to, and recover from cyber incidents.
Supply chain security: Assess and address risks from third-party suppliers.
Network security: Strengthen access controls, encryption, and monitoring.
Business continuity: Ensure your services keep running, even during an attack
2. Corporate Accountability: Leadership Must Lead
Under NIS2, senior management is directly responsible for cybersecurity. That means executives must:
Oversee and approve cybersecurity strategies.
Undergo regular cybersecurity training to understand risks and compliance obligations.
Ensure cybersecurity is embedded in decision-making, not just an IT afterthought
3. Incident Reporting: Sound the Alarm Fast
NIS2 sets strict deadlines for reporting incidents:
Early warning: Notify authorities within 24 hours of detecting a significant incident.
Incident notification: Provide a more detailed report within 72 hours.
Final report: Submit a comprehensive analysis within one month
4. Business Continuity: Keep Swinging, No Matter What
Companies must have plans to maintain essential functions during and after a cyber incident. This includes regular backups, disaster recovery, and crisis management
Staff Training: The Secret Weapon (Even Orangutans Need Practice)
Why Training Is Non-Negotiable
NIS2 mandates that all employees receive regular cybersecurity training. Why? Because human error is still the leading cause of data breaches. Training helps staff recognize phishing attempts, use strong passwords, and follow secure practices—just like orangutans learn to avoid predators in the wild
What your training program should cover:
Security awareness: Teach employees to spot phishing, social engineering, and other common threats.
Role-specific training: Tailor sessions for IT, HR, and leadership teams.
Ongoing education: Cyber threats evolve, so training should be continuous, not a one-time event
How to make it effective:
Use real-world examples and interactive modules.
Integrate training with your Learning Management System (LMS) to track progress.
Simulate cyber attacks to test readiness and reinforce learning
Implementation Timeline and Penalties: Don’t Get Caught Napping
Deadlines You Can’t Ignore
17 October 2024: EU member states were required to transpose NIS2 into national law. Some countries are still catching up, but enforcement is ramping up in 2025
17 April 2025: Member states must submit lists of essential and important entities to the EU
Ongoing: Companies must register with national authorities and conduct regular audits.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Failing to comply with NIS2 can result in:
Fines: Up to €10 million or 2% of global annual turnover (whichever is higher) for essential entities.
Reputational damage: Public disclosure of non-compliance can erode customer trust.
Operational restrictions: Authorities may impose bans on executives or suspend services
How to Get Started: Your NIS2 Survival Guide
Assess your scope: Determine if your company is covered by NIS2.
Gap analysis: Compare your current cybersecurity measures against NIS2 requirements.
Implement controls: Strengthen risk management, incident response, and supply chain security.
Train your team: Roll out a comprehensive cybersecurity training program.
Document everything: Keep records of risk assessments, policies, and training sessions for audits.
Stay updated: NIS2 is evolving, so keep an eye on national guidelines and EU updates
Why Orangutans (and Your Business) Will Thank You
Just as orangutans rely on their strength, agility, and community to thrive, your business needs a resilient cybersecurity strategy to survive in today’s digital jungle. NIS2 isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about building trust, protecting your customers, and future-proofing your operations.
Need help navigating NIS2? Our team of cybersecurity experts can guide you through compliance, from risk assessments to staff training. Let’s make your cybersecurity as robust as an orangutan’s grip—contact us today!
References: [1] Digital Strategy EC – NIS2 Directive [2] NIS2 Requirements – 10 Minimum Measures [5] NIS2 Requirements: A Complete Guide [15] NIS2 Compliance Process [17] NIS2 Compliance & Implementation [18] NIS2 Training Requirements [19] NIS2 Compliance for HR [22] NIS2 Deadlines & Compliance [24] NIS2 Directive – Shaping Europe’s Digital Future [26] NIS2 Compliance Challenges [27] ENISA NIS2 Technical Guidance [28] NIS2 Penalties & Compliance [29] NIS2 Registration & Deadlines