The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has announced the release of new technical guidance to assist EU Member States and organizations in implementing the cybersecurity risk management requirements set out in the NIS2 Directive. This guidance is designed to help strengthen the cybersecurity posture of critical sectors across Europe, aligning with the European Commission’s goal of achieving a high level of cybersecurity across the Union. The NIS2 Directive, which came into effect in October 2024, focuses on enhancing the resilience of key infrastructure sectors, such as digital services, ICT service management, and cloud computing.
ENISA’s guidance, developed in collaboration with various cybersecurity workgroups, offers practical advice on fulfilling the technical and methodological requirements of the directive. It covers a broad range of topics, including risk assessments, incident management, business continuity planning, and supply chain security. The document highlights the importance of establishing clear security policies on access control, asset management, and ensuring that all employees and suppliers understand their security responsibilities. These measures are crucial for mitigating cybersecurity risks and maintaining the security of networks and information systems across the EU.
One key aspect of the guidance is its emphasis on aligning with European and international cybersecurity standards, such as ISO/IEC 27001 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework. The guidance offers a mapping table that correlates the NIS2 requirements with these established standards, helping organizations streamline compliance efforts and reduce duplication in audits. This will allow entities to leverage multiple frameworks and standards for enhanced cybersecurity while ensuring compliance with the NIS2 regulations. The document also stresses the need for ongoing assessment of security practices to ensure continued resilience against evolving cyber threats.
ENISA’s technical guidance is a critical resource for organizations subject to the NIS2 Directive, providing clear, actionable advice on how to meet its cybersecurity requirements. The document is currently open for industry feedback, with comments being accepted until December 9, 2024. As organizations across the EU continue to implement the NIS2 regulations, ENISA’s guidance will play a pivotal role in helping them strengthen their cybersecurity risk management processes and build a more secure digital infrastructure.
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