The NIS2 Imperative to Drive Cyber Resilience Across the EU

As the NIS2 Directive comes into effect, Europe and the organisations that operate within it find themselves at a critical juncture for cyber resilience. The recent 2024 EU Digital Decade report, which evaluates the performance of the EU’s digital transformation efforts, notes 2023 and 2024 have been watershed years for the EU’s leadership in the digital age, and its role as a bolder global-class regulator. The report called out the introduction of the NIS2 Directive, amongst others, as a key player for achieving the Digital Decade objectives of improving resilience and cybersecurity.

NIS2 represents a significant step forward in bolstering Europe’s critical infrastructure and cyber resilience. Europe has a golden opportunity to harness technology for a positive future. This Directive will ensure critical infrastructure remains secure and fosters opportunities for a more inclusive economies and societies at large, in turn this will boost business productivity and deliver smarter, more efficient public services.

The need for robust cybersecurity is more urgent than ever. The digital world doesn’t stop at borders, and this especially true when it comes to the increasing cyber threat faced by governments, and critical infrastructure operators.

The EU has created a strong legal framework to require critical infrastructure operators to adopt cybersecurity measures (NIS2) and for manufacturers to ensure their products have strong security properties and are supported throughout their lifecycle (CRA). The purpose of NIS2 is to boost EU cybersecurity by securing its critical infrastructure and industries, this will enable digital development which is estimated to be worth around EUR 3 trillion (approx. 20 percent of the EU’s total GDP).

Those organisations operating within Member States should ensure they understand which Member State laws apply to them and that they have notified the relevant EU member sState regulator that their organisation is operating within the scope of NIS2, in accordance with the national laws transposing the Directive.

Investing in cybersecurity is not just a compliance requirement; it’s a strategic imperative. Enhanced cyber hygiene has a multiplier effect for organisations across risk mitigation, enhanced reputation and customer trust.

Cisco is committed to supporting Europe’s digital transformation journey. Our cybersecurity portfolio offers organisations complete visibility and protection across their entire network. With the recent acquisition of Splunk, our customers now have unparalleled visibility across their entire digital footprint for complete protection – the old adage will always be true, you can’t secure what you can’t see.

Beyond technology, fostering a culture of cybersecurity is equally important. Organisations must invest in training and education to equip their employees with the knowledge and skills needed to identify and mitigate threats.

As Europe prioritises digital transformation, NIS2’s swift implementation and adherence will be key drivers of success. By investing in strong security measures, fostering a culture of cyber awareness, and embracing a proactive approach to risk management, Europe can seize the opportunity to become a global leader in the digital economy.