Imagine a cyberattack paralyzing your entire IT infrastructure. Production lines come to a standstill, customer information is at risk, and your company's reputation suffers severely. Unfortunately, this is not a scenario from a Hollywood thriller, but an everyday reality that companies are increasingly facing. To protect against such scenarios, the EU has issued new rules for cybersecurity: NIS2 and DORA. These two directives mark a turning point in the fight against cybercrime and present companies with new challenges but also opportunities.
NIS2: Strengthening Cybersecurity in the EU
NIS2 significantly expands the scope of the original NIS Directive and now includes numerous sectors such as energy, transport, and healthcare. The directive sets stricter requirements for risk management and incident response. Companies must conduct comprehensive risk analyses, identify vulnerabilities, and implement appropriate protective measures. In addition, detailed emergency plans must be drawn up and tested regularly. A core aspect of NIS2 is the increased cooperation between companies and authorities. The exchange of information about cyberattacks is to be intensified, which requires a new culture of cooperation. The implementation of NIS2 presents companies with diverse challenges - technically, organizationally, and legally. In addition to implementing new security solutions, employees must be trained, processes adapted, and compliance ensured.
DORA: Digital Resilience in the Financial Sector
The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) focuses specifically on the financial sector. In light of increasing digitalization, DORA aims to strengthen the resilience of financial institutions against cyberattacks and disruptions. DORA includes detailed requirements for risk management and business continuity. Financial institutions must conduct risk analyses, address vulnerabilities, and develop robust contingency plans. A central component is the obligation to report disruptions and cyberattacks to the supervisory authorities. The implementation of DORA has profound implications for the business models of financial institutions. In particular, the requirements for IT outsourcing and cooperation with third-party providers pose a challenge. Smaller institutions could face difficulties in implementation.
NIS2 and DORA in Comparison
While NIS2 has a broad scope, DORA focuses specifically on the financial sector. Both directives prescribe detailed requirements for risk management, with DORA containing even stricter requirements due to the importance of financial stability. The reporting obligations differ in terms of criteria and recipients. In addition, there are differences in cooperation with authorities. Both directives require investments in innovative security solutions but also offer the opportunity to improve cybersecurity and strengthen competitiveness.
Recommendation for Action
To successfully implement NIS2 and DORA, companies should invest in modern security technologies such as intrusion detection systems, SIEM solutions, and endpoint protection. It is equally important to establish a security culture within the company and to sensitize employees to cybersecurity. With a proactive approach, companies can meet the new requirements and benefit in the long term from investments in their digital resilience.
Google Cloud's comprehensive security solutions offer you all the necessary tools for the successful implementation of NIS2 and DORA. As a Google Cloud Premier Partner, PCG has the expertise to support you in the optimal use of these solutions and thus sustainably strengthen your cybersecurity and digital resilience.
