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But the NIS 2 Directive makes makes it clear that IT security is not an not an option, but a a necessity.
Startups, die early on the right waycan not only liability risks reduce, butbut also the Trust from Customers and investor gain new customers.
What is NIS 2?
NIS 2 stands for “Network and Information Security” and is the further development of the first NIS Directive from 2016.
The aim of this directive is to significantly increase the level of protection for critical infrastructures and digital services in the EU.
In contrast to the previous version, NIS 2 significantly expands the scope of application and now also includes smaller companies, which could directly affect many start-ups.
Main contents of the NIS 2 Directive
The Directive defines the Focus on the followingcore aspects: The Introduction of Risk management measures in the cybsafety, Mobligations for Security incidents that Implementation of Concepts for Evaluation of the Effectiveness of IT security measures, the training of Employees in cyber security issues and the regular transfertesting and actualization of the Safety measures.
In concrete termsThis means that Company vare obligatedd, appropriate technicaland organizationalatoric measures to take action to Risks for the Security of Network andd information systems to manage.
This includes Local implementationperformance of Risiko analyzes, the implementation of security concepts andd the establishment of processes for detection, mreporting and reactingtion to security incidents.Another importantaspect is the training andd sensitization of Employees.
Z The aim is is to acquire sufficient knowledgeknowledge and skills to recognition andd assessment of risks and management practices in the in the area of cybersecurity mediate.
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One early exitengagement with the requirements andd the utilization fadept subsupport can help to ensure compliance-minimize risksand the Resilience isagainst cyber attacks aftersustainableeaters.
Implementation deadline and consequences
The deadline for transposing the NIS 2 Directive into national law is October 17, 2024.
From this date, affected companies must comply with the requirements.
Non-compliance could result in severe fines of up to 10 million euros or 2% of annual global turnover.
These potential penalties underline the urgency of dealing with the requirements in good time.
Significance for IT start-ups
For many start-ups in the IT sector, NIS 2 represents a new challenge, but also an opportunity: the implementation of robust cyber security measures will become mandatory, which will increase resilience to cyber attacks in the long term.
Companies that implement NIS 2 at an early stage can use this as a quality feature and a sign of trust towards customers and partners, which can give them a competitive advantage.
By complying with NIS 2 standards, startups signal that they take the security of their systems and data seriously and are willing to invest in cyber security.
This can strengthen the trust of customers and investors and improve the company’s reputation.
Even if a startup is not directly covered by the NIS 2 directive, business partners or customers who are subject to the directive can demand appropriate security standards.
In an increasingly interconnected business world, it is important that smaller companies in the supply chain also take appropriate security measures.
Startups that focus on NIS 2 compliance at an early stage can position themselves as reliable and trustworthy partners and improve their chances of working with larger companies.
In addition, fast-growing startups should consider NIS 2 requirements at an early stage in order to be prepared and avoid unpleasant surprises if the thresholds are exceeded.
By planning ahead and implementing security measures step by step, startups can avoid having to retrofit later under time pressure and at high cost.
Addressing NIS 2 at an early stage enables security to be integrated into the company culture and processes from the outset and to scale with the growth of the company.Overall, the NIS 2 directive offers IT startups the opportunity to raise their cyber security to a high level, build trust with customers and partners and prepare for future growth.
By being proactive, startups can overcome the challenges and reap the benefits of strong cybersecurity.
Recommendations for action
In order to meet the requirements of the NIS 2 Directive in good time, IT start-ups should consider the following steps: Firstly, assessing how affected the company is based on its size and area of activity, followed by a gap analysis to identify where action is needed.
Developing and implementing an information security management system (ISMS) and training employees in cyber security issues are other important aspects.
Regular reviews and updates of security measures must not be neglected.
The implementation of the NIS 2 directive may initially appear to be an additional burden, but it offers the opportunity to improve IT security in the long term and position oneself as a trustworthy partner in the digital ecosystem.
IT start-ups should use the time remaining until October 2024 to prepare thoroughly and implement the necessary measures.
Dealing with NIS 2 at an early stage can not only minimize compliance risks, but also create a competitive advantage in an increasingly security-conscious market.
