The EU’s New Cybersecurity Playbook

Hackers today are getting smarter, attacks are getting bigger, and businesses are feeling the heat. To combat this issue, the European Union (EU) has recently replaced a 2016 set of guidelines, called the Network and Information Security Directive (NIS Directive) with an updated version known as the NIS2 Directive.

The NIS2 Directive

If you operate in the EU and deal with critical infrastructures, digital services, or supply chains, this could directly affect you. Even if you’re not a cybersecurity pro, understanding the basics of NIS2 is crucial to staying compliant and avoiding hefty fines.

Think of the NIS2 Directive as the EU’s new and improved cybersecurity rulebook. It replaces the original NIS Directive with stricter and more comprehensive rules that protect business, governments, and customers from the threats of cyberattacks. This directive sets a clear goal, which is to make sure the entire EU is on the same page when it comes to cybersecurity. This rulebook pushes for stronger defenses, better communication during incidents, and constitutes security standards across all organizations.

NIS2 brings significant changes with a broader scope that now covers sectors like energy, healthcare, public administration, transport, and digital infrastructure. The stakes are higher too, non-compliance can result in fines of up to €10 million or 2% of your global annual revenue, making it essential to take this seriously. Additionally, businesses must establish national cybersecurity coordination centers to improve threat sharing and streamline response efforts across the EU.

How HCL AppScan Can Help

Compliance with NIS2 isn’t just about checking boxes, it’s about building a resilient cybersecurity foundation that can withstand evolving threats.

With the release of our application security testing tool, HCL AppScan 10.7.0, we’ve introduced new compliance reports and policies, including support for the NIS2 Directive, to help businesses meet these new requirements with confidence.

HCL AppScan supports you with:

1. Automated Security Testing: identifies vulnerabilities across your web, mobile, and cloud-based applications. Its industry-leading scanning capabilities help you catch weaknesses before attackers do.
2. Risk Management at Scale: NIS2 emphasizes proactive risk management. HCL AppScan’s advanced analytics provide a clear view of your application risks, enabling you to prioritize fixes and allocate resources effectively.
3. Simplified Compliance: designed to align with major regulations, including NIS2. Its built-in reporting features streamline incident tracking and audits, making compliance easier and more efficient.
4. Supply Chain Security: cyberattacks often exploit weak links in the supply chain. HCL AppScan delivers visibility into third-party components, ensuring your software supply chain stays secure and resilient.

With HCL AppScan, you won’t just meet NIS2 requirements, you’ll exceed them, building trust with your customers and partners.

The NIS2 might seem like just another directive, but it’s a critical step toward a more secure digital future for the EU. If your business is affected, now’s the time to act. Start by educating your team, investing in the right technology, and partnering with experts like HCL AppScan who can help you navigate this new landscape.