This blog will break down the NIS2 Directive drawing information from the original directive briefing published by the European Parliament and explain how organizations can prepare for compliance, including the pivotal role of penetration testing (pentesting) and how HackerOne can assist with these efforts.
NIS2 Directive
The NIS2 Directive aims to enhance the security of network and information systems within the EU by requiring operators of essential and important services to implement adequate security measures and report cybersecurity incidents. It applies to organizations across a wide range of sectors, from critical infrastructure like energy and transport to key digital providers and public services.
Key updates in NIS2:
- Broader Scope: NIS2 expands the range of sectors under its purview, including digital infrastructure, healthcare, telecom, social media, and public administration, recognizing that these industries are increasingly susceptible to cyber threats.
- Risk Management Obligations: Organizations must now have comprehensive risk management and cybersecurity measures, including business continuity plans, incident response procedures, and supply chain security). The proposal includes a list of key elements that all companies must address or implement as part of the measures they take, including incident response, supply chain security, encryption, and vulnerability disclosure programs (VDPs).
- Enhanced Incident Reporting: Under NIS2, incident reporting requirements have become stricter. Entities must notify authorities within 24 hours of becoming aware of an incident.
NIS2 introduces more stringent oversight for essential entities—those where a cyber event could cause significant disruption. These include sectors like energy, banking, health, and water. Important entities, such as digital service providers, are also held to high standards but face limited scrutiny unless they experience a cybersecurity incident.
NIS2 Obligations
Under NIS2, organizations must comply with strengthened cybersecurity requirements that include:
- Incident handling and crisis management
- Vulnerability handling and disclosure
- Risk assessment and management policies
- Business continuity and disaster recovery plans
- Incident response strategies
- Supply chain security protocols
- Encryption and cryptography measures
- Cybersecurity training and basic hygiene practices
- Human resource security, access control policies, and asset management
Regular testing and auditing of security systems are also critical to NIS2 compliance, highlighting the importance of penetration testing as a method for ensuring cybersecurity defenses are effective.
Difference Between NIS2 and DORA
Although both NIS2 and DORA (Digital Operational Resilience Act) are aimed at improving cybersecurity, they target slightly different areas and industries.
- NIS2 focuses on enhancing cybersecurity across a broad range of sectors, including critical infrastructure, healthcare, energy, and digital service providers. It emphasizes a risk-based approach, requiring organizations to develop and implement security measures, manage risks, and ensure business continuity.
- DORA, on the other hand, is specifically designed for the financial sector, ensuring the digital operational resilience of financial entities, including banks, insurers, and investment firms. It focuses more on financial stability in the face of cyber threats.
The key difference lies in the scope: while NIS2 covers a wide variety of sectors, DORA is tailored to the financial services industry and imposes stricter testing and security measures on financial institutions.
Financial entities that fall under both directives must ensure compliance with both, meaning they will need to meet the specific obligations for each. For example, NIS2 is less demanding than DORA in terms of security testing, but companies in the financial sector still need to conduct stringent resilience testing under both.
Learn more about DORA Requirements and Pentesting.
Pentesting for NIS2 Compliance
NIS2 briefing emphasizes the necessity for testing and auditing cybersecurity measures to ensure their effectiveness in real-world scenarios. This is where pentesting becomes a vital tool. Pentesting simulates cyberattacks on an organization’s systems to identify vulnerabilities and assess the robustness of current defenses.
By regularly conducting pentests, organizations can:
- Identify and mitigate vulnerabilities.
- Assess the effectiveness of incident response plans.
- Document improvements in security posture over time.
- Ensure ongoing compliance with NIS2’s risk management obligations.
Pentesting is particularly crucial for essential entities, which are subject to more rigorous testing and reporting requirements under the directive.
Achieve NIS2 Compliance with HackerOne’s Comprehensive Portfolio
HackerOne provides a full suite of cybersecurity solutions to help organizations comply with the stringent requirements of the NIS2 Directive. Our portfolio includes Pentest as a Service (PTaaS) model, Vulnerability Disclosure Programs (VDP), and Bug Bounty programs. This integrated approach aligns seamlessly with NIS2’s mandates for continuous risk assessment, vulnerability management, and incident response, as outlined in the directive.
At the core, HackerOne Pentest delivers thorough, methodology-driven security testing conducted by vetted and highly skilled security researchers. In alignment with NIS2’s requirements for cybersecurity risk management and incident reporting, our pentest services help organizations establish, maintain, and test their cybersecurity measures as part of a comprehensive risk management framework. Each engagement provides detailed reports and audit-ready documentation to support compliance efforts, ensuring that your organization can demonstrate adherence to the NIS2 Directive’s requirements for cybersecurity resilience.
Our pentesting services are complemented by:
- VDPs: HackerOne Response aligns with NIS2’s incident reporting and also addresses the “vulnerability handling and disclosure” requirements, enabling organizations to continuously intake, manage, and respond to vulnerabilities reported by security researchers. These programs provide a structured approach for organizations to handle security incidents, as required by NIS2, ensuring timely identification and remediation of risks. HackerOne Essential VDP is a great place to get started, with a free self-serve VDP solution.
- Bug Bounty Programs: HackerOne Bounty offers continuous, human-powered security testing, allowing organizations to meet NIS2’s requirements for ongoing risk management. By inviting security researchers to identify vulnerabilities, Bug Bounty programs provide real-time insights into emerging threats. With HackerOne’s Managed Bug Bounty option, organizations can receive tailored support, including triaging vulnerabilities and providing detailed remediation recommendations. This ensures that critical systems and applications are constantly evaluated, addressing the needs for NIS2’s supply chain security and third-party risk management.
HackerOne’s human-powered, continuous approach ensures that organizations can meet NIS2’s demands for regular cybersecurity assessments and incident response procedures. By leveraging HackerOne’s global network of security researchers, including EU-based security professionals, organizations can ensure that their cybersecurity defenses are thoroughly evaluated and aligned with the NIS2 Directive’s standards. Contact the HackerOne team to learn more.