Introduction:
The European Union has responded by introducing the NIS2 directive, an update to the original 2016 Network and Information Systems (NIS) directive. This directive sets stricter cybersecurity requirements for critical and important sectors, such as healthcare, energy and finance.
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One of the crucial components of NIS2 is the requirement to conduct regular audits. But what exactly does such an audit entail, and why is it useful for your organization?
What is an audit under NIS2?
An audit under NIS2 refers to a systematic review of cybersecurity measures and procedures within an organization covered by the NIS2 Directive. The purpose of such an audit is to evaluate the extent to which the organization complies with legal requirements in the areas of cybersecurity, risk and incident management.
An NIS2 audit can be conducted either internally or externally, depending on the organization’s preference or the regulator’s requirements. A wide range of aspects are examined during the audit, including:
- Security policies and procedures: Have clear guidelines been established for employees on how to handle sensitive information and systems?
- Risk analysis: Are regular risk assessments performed to identify potential vulnerabilities?
- Incident management: Does the organization have a plan to respond quickly and effectively to cyber incidents?
- Protection of network and information systems: Are technical measures in place, such as firewalls, encryption and access control?
- Awareness and training: Are employees trained in cyber awareness and how to act in case of a cyber attack?
Why is an audit useful?
Conducting an audit under NIS2 offers several benefits to organizations. Below we discuss some of the main reasons why conducting an audit can be beneficial.
1. Regulatory compliance
The most obvious reason for an NIS2 audit is that it is a legal requirement for organizations covered by this directive. By conducting an audit, you can demonstrate that your organization meets the requirements set by the European Union. This prevents possible fines or other legal sanctions if it turns out that you are not in compliance with NIS2 standards.
2. Increased cyber resilience
An audit helps identify vulnerabilities in the organization’s current security infrastructure. By detecting and fixing these vulnerabilities in time, you reduce the chances of successful cyberattacks such as ransomware, data breaches or other forms of cybercrime. This increases the organization’s overall resilience to digital threats.
3. Risk management
Audits are an excellent way to understand the organization’s cybersecurity risks. By conducting regular risk assessments, the organization can prioritize addressing the most critical threats. This not only helps to minimize potential damage, but also to be better prepared for potential cyber incidents.
4. Transparency and trust
Organizations that conduct regular audits and can demonstrate that their systems are secure increase the confidence of customers, suppliers and other stakeholders. Transparency about cybersecurity measures builds trust and can even provide a competitive advantage, especially in industries where data protection and privacy are critical.
5. Improving processes and procedures
An audit forces organizations to review and improve their existing processes and procedures. This often leads to streamlining internal processes and better coordination between different departments, such as IT, compliance and risk management. The result is a more integrated approach to cybersecurity in which everyone in the organization understands their responsibilities.
Conclusion: NIS2 audits are a crucial tool
An audit within the framework of the NIS2 Directive is much more than an obligation; it is a valuable tool to strengthen your organization’s cybersecurity. By conducting regular audits, you can not only demonstrate compliance with legislation, but also address vulnerabilities in your systems, better manage risk and increase stakeholder confidence.
In a world where cyber threats are becoming increasingly complex, an audit is an essential part of a robust cybersecurity strategy. NIS2 sets the bar high, but that is exactly what is needed to keep Europe’s vital sectors safe in a digital economy.
