Make ISO 27001 your gas pedal to NIS 2

In this article, we explore how to useISO 27001 as a lever for compliance with the NIS 2 directive.

What is NIS 2?

The NIS 2 (Network and Information Security) Directive strengthens cybersecurity obligations for critical and important entities within the European Union. You can take the test here to find out if your company is affected by the directive.

It requires the implementation of 20 safety objectives, broken down into operational requirements, with two levels of application:

• Standard obligations for large entities
• More stringent obligations for essential entities

NIS 2 also applies to theecosystem of suppliers: providers with an impact on security must also be compliant.

A guideline that's still unclear but has a structuring effect

Although legally binding, the directive remains general in its wording. This can lead to abuses:

• Oversizing certain measures
• Omissions on critical points

However, properly applied, NIS 2 can become a competitive advantage: by structuring their cybersecurity, companies improve their resilience and credibility.

Anticipate NIS 2, or endure its implementation?

Should we wait for the inspection or act beforehand?

With over 150 ISO 27001 certification projects under our belt, we've found that the main mistake is to treat NIS 2 as a simple checklist.

Taking the time to anticipate: a strategic challenge

You have three years to comply with NIS 2. You should use this time to :

• Rapidly deploy risk reduction measures
• Design solutions tailored to your business challenges
• Anticipate the impact on your information system
• Align safety measures with your real risks

NIS 2 requires a continuous risk management approach, not a one-off treatment. It's about managing cybersecurity, not suffering from it.

ISO 27001: a framework for responding to NIS 2

ISO 27001 is today the benchmark standard for cybersecurity certification. It is based on a rigorous method:

• Risk analysis
• Planning measures
• Monitoring and continuous improvement
• Management involvement

It provides a long-term structure for safety.

The contribution of ISO 27001 to the NIS 2 framework

Here are the concrete benefits of an ISO 27001 approach to NIS 2:

1. A rationale based on risk analysis

ISO 27001 makes it possible to prioritize real threats,allocate resources efficiently, and justify the measures put in place - an explicit requirement of NIS 2.

2. Continuous improvement in safety

The standard is based on a PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle, guaranteeing that the safety system is adapted to the organization's evolution.

3. Stakeholder involvement

ISO 27001 promotes cybersecurityacculturation and team mobilization through a common language and clear governance.

4. Strong compatibility between ISO 27001 and NIS 2

NIS 2 requirements and ISO 27001 measures are largely aligned. An ISO 27001-certified organization is already well on the way to NIS 2 compliance.

How to get started on NIS 2 compliance?

Here's a concrete strategy:

1. Perform an ISO 27001 / NIS 2 diagnostic to assess your maturity
2. Perform a risk analysis to target critical actions
3. Structuring cybersecurity governance: roles, indicators, committees
4. Build a realistic, manageable 3-year roadmap
5. Involve management and gradually bring teams on board

ISO 27001 provides the guidelines for structuring, managing and developing your cybersecurity over time.

Going further

Would you like to assess your NIS 2 compliance and identify priority actions?
👉 Take part in our dedicated webinar or contact us for a diagnosis.

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