The NIS 2 Directive is the European Union’s updated and strengthened framework for managing cybersecurity risks across critical and important service providers. It builds upon the foundation of the original NIS Directive (NIS1) but covers more sectors and incorporates key advancements to address the growing sophistication of cyber threats and the increasing interconnection of digital and industrial systems. By expanding its scope and enforcing harmonized cybersecurity standards, NIS 2 aims to enhance the resilience of essential services across the EU.

Secure-NOK has developed a NIS 2 Compliance Guide with a focus on Operational Technology (OT) systems. OT systems are critical for industrial and infrastructure operations, and make up key network and information systems for many of the sectors addressed by NIS2. The guide provides an overview of the directive and what it requires – It also outlines how Secure-NOK’s SNOK Cybersecurity Monitoring System and professional services support compliance with NIS 2 requirements.

By expanding its scope and enforcing harmonized cybersecurity standards, NIS 2 aims to enhance the resilience of essential services across the EU.

Key Updates in the NIS 2 Directive

Broader Sector Coverage: NIS 2 significantly expands the range of sectors subject to its regulations. In addition to traditional areas such as energy, healthcare, transportation, and finance, the directive now includes waste management, food production, manufacturing, postal services, and space activities. This broadened scope ensures that critical supply chains and services are comprehensively protected.

Stricter Security Requirements: NIS 2 mandates robust risk management practices, including vulnerability assessments, supply chain security measures, and detailed incident handling procedures. These requirements are designed to enhance proactive threat detection, mitigate risks, and ensure resilience against cyberattacks.

Unified Cybersecurity Standards Across the EU: By harmonizing cybersecurity measures across all member states, NIS 2 ensures consistent protection levels, streamlines compliance processes, and facilitates cross-border collaboration during incidents.

Enhanced Reporting Obligations: Organizations are required to notify relevant authorities of significant cyber incidents within strict timelines.

Emphasis on Supply Chain Security: The directive places specific focus on securing relationships with suppliers and third-party service providers, ensuring that vulnerabilities in the supply chain do not compromise overall cybersecurity.

Importance of OT in NIS 2

Operational Technology (OT) systems are an essential part of daily operation in many of the sectors covered by NIS 2, such as energy, transportation and manufacturing. Today, OT systems are increasingly interconnected with other systems and IT networks. This exposes OT systems for cyberthreats. However, OT environments are often more vulnerable to cyberattacks due to their reliance on legacy systems, limited integration of modern cybersecurity measures, and high sensitivity to downtime. Compared with traditional security measures for IT systems, OT systems require tailored cybersecurity solutions that prioritize operational continuity while addressing vulnerabilities.

Key considerations for OT systems under NIS 2 include:

• Adopting industry-specific standards like IEC 62443 and the NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
• Implementing monitoring and detection solutions that can identify anomalies in real-time.
• Securing legacy equipment and designing alternative measures when modern security features are incompatible

How Secure-NOK Supports NIS 2 Compliance

Secure-NOK provides specialized tools and services to help organizations meet the requirements of the NIS 2 Directive, particularly for OT environments.

SNOK Cybersecurity Monitoring System and related Professional Services::

• Real-Time Threat Detection: The SNOK system uses network, endpoint, and PLC sensors to provide comprehensive visibility into OT systems and detect early signs of cyber intrusions.
• Asset Inventory: Automatic identification and documentation of all devices in the network, including OT and IoT equipment.
• Anomaly Detection: Advanced analytics and configuration capabilities to identify deviations from normal behaviour.
• Risk Assessments and Vulnerability Analysis: Identify weaknesses in OT environments and recommend tailored mitigation strategies.
• Incident Response Support: Real-time monitoring, incident containment, and forensic analysis to address and recover from cyberattack.

‍

Expert advisory services:

Secure-NOK Professional Services has developed a cybersecurity framework based on IEC 62443 and NIST Cybersecurity Framework tailored to securing OT system. The framework covers for example:

• Compliance Advisory: Assistance in aligning with standards such as IEC 62443, ISO 27001, and NIST Cybersecurity Framework.
• Business Continuity and Supply Chain Security: Monitoring and managing security aspects of relationships with suppliers and third-party service providers.
• Training and Cyber Hygiene: Customized training for IT and OT personnel to improve awareness and adherence to OT Security best practices.
• Security in acquisition, development and maintenance: Assistance in planning, developing requirements and follow-up of during procurement of production systems and networks.

The Secure-NOK framework can be used to create a security model and operational procedures to establish and maintain an appropriate security posture for OT systems over time.

Download the “NIS2 Compliance Guide – An OT Perspective” here to read more: