NIS 2 compliance: Turning an obligation into a growth lever

Compliance with the European NIS 2 directive marks a major turning point in cybersecurity for IT and SaaS companies. The objective is clear: to strengthen digital resilience within organizations by imposing common security standards on a European scale. While at first sight this regulation may seem restrictive, it represents a unique opportunity to structure companies, reduce the risks associated with cyber-attacks and improve their competitiveness.

For the companies concerned, particularly those providing cloud, SaaS or IT services, complying with NIS 2 is more than a legal obligation: it's a strategic lever. It can open up new markets, gain customer confidence and turn a regulatory constraint into a real competitive advantage.

In this article, we explain how to take advantage of these regulations by adopting a methodical approach, integrating best practices such as ISO 27001, and avoiding common mistakes. Discover the key steps to make NIS 2 a growth driver for your company.

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What is the NIS 2 directive and why is it important?

Adopted by the European Union, the NIS 2 (Network and Information Security) directive aims to strengthen the level of cybersecurity for businesses and critical infrastructures across Europe. It is the successor to the NIS 1 directive, with extended requirements and a much wider scope of application. From now on, NIS 2 will apply not only to large organizations, but also to many small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in strategic sectors.

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Objectives of the NIS 2 directive

1. Establishing a common security framework: The directive imposes minimum measures to harmonize cybersecurity practices across all EU member states.
2. Protecting critical sectors: This covers a wide range of sectors such as IT, healthcare, telecommunications, waste management and transport, which are often prime targets for cyber attacks.
3. Strengthening the resilience of subcontractors: By including cloud, SaaS and other IT service providers, NIS 2 requires companies to better manage risks throughout their supply chain.

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Why is this directive crucial?

Cyber attacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated and frequent, putting sensitive data, business continuity and corporate reputation at risk. By introducing NIS 2, the European Union intends to respond to these growing threats by making proactive, structured cybersecurity management mandatory.

For companies, failure to comply with this directive could result in :

• Significant financial penalties.
• Loss of customer and partner confidence.
• Difficulties accessing certain regulated markets.

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Who is affected by NIS 2?

The scope of the directive includes two categories of entities:

• Essential entities, such as operators of critical services (water, energy, health, etc.).
• Important entities, such as digital service providers, cloud hosting providers or IT companies.

Even if your company is not directly affected by NIS 2, it may be impacted as a subcontractor of an affected organization.

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The benefits of NIS 2 compliance

Complying with the NIS 2 directive is more than just a legal obligation. It's also an opportunity for companies to turn this approach into a strategic lever. By strengthening their cybersecurity and adopting a proactive approach, organizations can reap numerous benefits, both operationally and commercially.

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Reduce the risk of cyber-attacks and the associated costs

Cyber attacks, whether ransomware, data leaks or other forms of threat, entail significant costs for businesses: business interruptions, financial losses, reputational damage, or even regulatory sanctions. By implementing NIS 2 requirements, companies can significantly reduce their exposure to risk. Structured security management also makes it easier to anticipate and react to incidents, thus limiting their impact.

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Business opportunities and access to new markets

In many sectors, compliance with high cybersecurity standards, such as those imposed by NIS 2, is a key factor for accessing certain markets or responding to calls for tender. Customers, particularly those in critical sectors, are increasingly demanding security guarantees from their partners and suppliers. Complying with NIS 2 is becoming a competitive advantage, enabling them to stand out from less well-prepared competitors.

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Enhanced reputation and customer confidence

At a time when concerns about cybersecurity are growing, demonstrating rigorous compliance reassures customers, partners and investors. NIS 2-compliant companies can demonstrate their commitment to security, reinforcing their brand image and credibility.

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Structuring internal processes

Compliance with NIS 2 is driving companies to formalize and optimize their risk management and cybersecurity processes. This internal structuring improves overall resilience, while providing better visibility on vulnerabilities and priorities. It can also serve as a basis for other approaches, such as ISO 27001 certification, which share many common requirements with NIS 2.

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Reduce costs related to non-conformities

In addition to the financial penalties that may result from non-compliance, companies that fail to meet NIS 2 requirements risk having their contracts terminated or their business relationships undermined. By investing in compliance, they avoid these potential penalties and ensure the long-term viability of their partnerships.

Key steps to effective NIS 2 compliance

Complying with the NIS 2 directive requires a structured, methodical approach. Effective implementation is based on a precise diagnosis, actions tailored to your business, and proactive management of regulatory requirements. Here are the essential steps for success.

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Carry out an initial diagnosis

The first step is to assess your organization's current cybersecurity situation:

• Identify existing risks: Analysis of technical, organizational and legal vulnerabilities.
• Maturity assessment: Analysis of the company's current ability to manage risks and meet requirements.

A complete diagnosis enables us to draw up a precise inventory and define a roadmap for the actions to be taken.

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Carry out a risk analysis

Risk analysis is at the heart of NIS 2 compliance. It enables us to prioritize the security measures to be implemented, based on the threats identified. This stage is based on :

• Asset classification: Identify and evaluate critical systems, sensitive data and strategic processes.
• Threat assessment: Identify potential risks, such as cyber-attacks, data leaks or service interruptions.
• Selecting safety measures: Define actions proportionate to the risks identified.

Frameworks such as ISO 27005 or specialized tools can be used to structure this stage.

Deploying appropriate safety measures

Once the risks have been identified, it's time to implement the actions needed to address them. These measures include :

• Security governance: developing information security policies.
• System security: deployment of access controls, password management, cryptography, etc.
• Raising employee awareness: Training and raising awareness of cyber risks, because people are often the weakest link.
• Integrating management tools: using platforms to manage actions and monitor compliance.

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Set up a document management and tracking system

NIS 2 compliance relies in part on the documentation of processes and controls. Make sure you :

• Centralize key documents: security policies, risk analyses, proof of controls, etc.
• Manage actions: Planning internal audits, monitoring safety incidents, managing non-conformities.
• Automate tasks: Use SaaS tools to manage processes and reduce the administrative burden.

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Train your teams and raise their awareness

The success of a compliance approach depends on the mobilization of all stakeholders:

• Raising executive awareness: Present the strategic and financial challenges of cybersecurity.
• Employee training: e-learning modules or specific training in NIS 2 requirements.
• Involve IT and legal teams: These departments need to work together to ensure technical and regulatory compliance.

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Continuous assessment and improvement

Cybersecurity is a dynamic process. Once the measures are in place, it is essential to :

• Carry out regular audits: check the effectiveness of measures and identify areas for improvement.
• React to changes: Adapt actions to new threats or regulatory updates.
• Maintain compliance: Ensure constant monitoring to avoid deviations and prepare for external audits.

Compliance with the NIS 2 directive represents an essential step towards strengthening the security and resilience of businesses in the face of digital threats. While this obligation may seem complex, it offers a unique opportunity to turn a regulatory constraint into a strategic advantage. By structuring your processes, reducing your risks and demonstrating your commitment to cybersecurity, you can not only protect your assets, but also boost customer confidence and access new markets.

To succeed, it's crucial to adopt a methodical approach: assess your risks, prioritize your actions, involve your teams and choose the right tools. Relying on frameworks such as ISO 27001, while integrating the specific features of NIS 2, will optimize your efforts and guarantee lasting compliance.

By anticipating today and surrounding yourself with experts, you can turn cybersecurity into a real growth lever for your company. So, where will your organization be a year from now? Make NIS 2 an engine of transformation and a competitive advantage today. Contact us for assistance.