The Network and Information Systems Directive (NIS2) is a new piece of EU legislation that aims to improve the cybersecurity of essential services and digital service providers (DSPs). It came into force on 16 January 2023 and will be transposed into Irish law by 17 October 2024.
What is NIS2?
NIS2 is a revision of the 2016 NIS Directive. It expands the scope of the original directive to include more sectors, such as healthcare, digital infrastructure, and public administration. It also introduces new requirements for organisations, such as:
- Implementing risk management measures
- Reporting cybersecurity incidents to the relevant authorities
- Cooperating with other organisations on cybersecurity matters
Who is affected by NIS2?
NIS2 applies to a wide range of organisations, including:
- Operators of essential services (OESs), such as energy providers, transport operators, and water suppliers
- Digital service providers (DSPs), such as online marketplaces, cloud computing providers, and search engines
- Public administrations
How will NIS2 impact organisations in Ireland?
NIS2 will require organisations to take a more proactive approach to cybersecurity. They will need to implement risk management measures to identify and mitigate cybersecurity risks. They will also need to report cybersecurity incidents to the relevant authorities and cooperate with other organisations on cybersecurity matters.
What can organisations do to prepare for NIS2?
Organisations can start preparing for NIS2 by reviewing their current cybersecurity posture and identifying any areas where they need to improve. They should also develop a plan for reporting cybersecurity incidents to the relevant authorities.
The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) provides a range of resources to help organisations prepare for NIS2, including guidance on risk management, incident reporting, and compliance.
Benefits of NIS2
NIS2 is expected to have a number of benefits for organisations in Ireland, including:
- Improved cybersecurity posture
- Reduced risk of cyberattacks
- Increased resilience to cyberattacks
- Enhanced cooperation on cybersecurity matters
- Improved compliance with international cybersecurity standards
Conclusion
NIS2 is an important piece of legislation that will help to improve the cybersecurity of essential services and digital service providers in Ireland. Organisations should start preparing for NIS2 now by reviewing their current cybersecurity posture and developing a plan for compliance.
