Need NIS2 Compliance? Start With ISO 27001

As regulations continue to evolve, IT, risk, and compliance professionals face the pressing challenge of aligning with new standards. The Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2) has emerged as a significant regulation for organisations in critical sectors. While compliance might seem daunting, ISO 27001 provides a structured approach to managing information security that can significantly aid in fulfilling NIS2 requirements.

This guide provides a comparative analysis of ISO 27001 and NIS2, highlighting their synergies and differences. IT, risk, and compliance professionals will gain insights into applying ISO 27001’s structured methodology to meet NIS2 mandates, helping streamline efforts while enhancing security measures. Understanding the similarities and differences between ISO 27001 and NIS2 can simplify the compliance process, reducing redundancy and focusing resources efficiently.

NIS2 and ISO 27001 Overview

ISO 27001 and NIS2 represent cornerstones for information security and regulatory compliance. Although their scope and objectives intersect, each has distinctive elements. Understanding these nuances is essential for professionals tasked with implementing compliance strategies. Let’s take a closer look at each below.

NIS2: Ensuring Resilience in Essential Services and Infrastructure

The growing importance of cybersecurity resilience, particularly for organisations in essential services and infrastructure, has led to the introduction of the Network and Information Systems (NIS) Directive. NIS2, an enhancement of the original directive, represents a more comprehensive approach to addressing these growing challenges. It establishes more stringent security requirements and expands the scope to include a wider range of sectors deemed critical to the economy and society, such as energy, transport, health, and digital infrastructure.

NIS2 also mandates improved cooperation and information sharing between member states of the European Union to foster a collective defense against cyber threats. Organisations covered by this directive are required to implement risk management practices, report incidents promptly, and ensure that they have the necessary capabilities to respond to and recover from cyber incidents. By implementing NIS2, the aim is to create a more resilient cyber ecosystem that can withstand and quickly recover from disruptions, thereby safeguarding the digital infrastructure upon which modern society relies.

ISO 27001: Protecting the Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of Information

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard that outlines the requirements for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continuously improving an Information Security Management System (ISMS). Its principal aim is to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of information by applying a risk management process. This involves identifying potential risks and implementing controls to mitigate them.

Compliance with ISO 27001 is not legally obligatory, but it is often pursued by organisations seeking to reinforce their security posture. ISO 27001 certification involves a rigorous process, establishing a robust Information Security Management System (ISMS) compliant with international standards. By adopting ISO 27001, organisations can develop a comprehensive Information Security Management System (ISMS) that aligns with NIS2 requirements, thus enhancing resilience against cyber threats.

Why NIS2 and ISO 27001 Are Important for Your Business

Given the increasing sophistication and frequency of cyberattacks, safeguarding information and ensuring compliance with data privacy laws and standards is crucial. The NIS2 and ISO 27001 frameworks provide robust guidelines for managing cybersecurity risks and promoting organisational resilience. These standards can enhance your business’s reputation, protect crucial data, and offer a competitive advantage.

ISO 27001 vs. NIS2

ISO 27001 and NIS2 both prioritise information security and risk management, however, each serve different scopes. In short, ISO 27001 is applicable to any organisation handling information, NIS2 is specifically targeted towards essential and digital service providers within the EU.

While ISO 27001 focuses on establishing, implementing, and maintaining an Information Security Management System (ISMS), the NIS2 Directive introduces additional requirements tailored specifically to the security and resilience of network and information systems critical to the EU’s essential and important sectors. So, ISO 27001 compliance can provide a strong foundation for NIS2 compliance, but it is not sufficient on its own. As a result, a gap analysis comparing ISO 27001 controls with NIS2 requirements will be essential to ensure full compliance.

Relevance of ISO 27001 for NIS 2

The connection between ISO 27001 and the NIS 2 Directive is highly significant for organisations looking to strengthen their cybersecurity strategies.

When organisations align their cybersecurity efforts with ISO 27001, they create a robust foundation that not only enhances their overall security posture but also aligns well with the compliance requirements of the NIS 2 Directive. By implementing ISO 27001, organisations can systematically identify and manage risks, establish controls to protect their information, and ensure continuous monitoring and improvement of their security practices. This alignment helps organisations fulfill the obligations set by NIS 2, such as implementing appropriate security measures, conducting regular assessments, and reporting significant incidents to relevant authorities.

By integrating ISO 27001 practices with the requirements of NIS 2, organisations can effectively mitigate potential threats, reduce vulnerabilities, and demonstrate their commitment to cybersecurity to regulators and stakeholders. This comprehensive approach not only aids in achieving compliance but also fosters a culture of security awareness and resilience throughout the organisation, ultimately contributing to a more secure digital landscape.

Key Similarities Between ISO 27001 and NIS2

While there are key differences between ISO 27001 and NIS2, which we explore in greater depth below, they share many similarities. For example:

Risk Management and Governance

A critical element of both ISO 27001 and NIS2 revolves around risk management and governance. ISO 27001 establishes a risk management framework that is conductive to identifying, evaluating, and addressing risks related to information security. It mandates organisations to maintain a systematic approach for risk mitigation, encompassing the development, implementation, and ongoing management of an Information Security Management System (ISMS).

NIS2 calls for effective governance measures focused on maintaining cyber resilience and data integrity. Organisations must exhibit an ability to manage operational risk and ensure governance structures support security objectives. The directive emphasises accountability at all organisational levels, ensuring that security measures are integrated into governance frameworks. By aligning ISO 27001 risk management practices with NIS2 governance requirements, entities can create an integrated compliance strategy. This alignment ensures that both information security and organisational governance objectives are met efficiently.

Incident Response and Business Continuity

Incident response and business continuity are vital components for achieving compliance with ISO 27001 and NIS2 mandates. ISO 27001 requires thorough incident response procedures, which involve detecting, reporting, and assessing information security incidents. It encourages the identification of potential threats and formulation of recovery plans to mitigate business impacts. Organisations are expected to establish incident management processes that provide a structured approach for resolving security breaches while maintaining business operations.

NIS2, with its focus on critical sectors, mandates stringent incident response measures to protect essential services. Entities must ensure effective mechanisms are in place to detect, respond, and recover from disruptions, safeguarding critical infrastructure. NIS2 also requires timely information sharing of incidents with relevant authorities to enhance sector-wide resilience. By adopting ISO 27001’s principles, organisations can develop a cohesive incident response strategy that aligns with NIS2 requirements, thereby minimising disruptions and enhancing overall resilience.

Security Controls and Monitoring

Security controls and monitoring play fundamental roles in both ISO 27001 and NIS2 frameworks. ISO 27001 provides a comprehensive set of controls designed to safeguard information assets, addressing aspects such as access management, encryption, and secure communication channels. Organisations must implement appropriate controls to mitigate identified risks and continuously monitor their effectiveness. Additionally, regular audits are essential to ensure the ISMS remains robust and adapts to evolving threats.

In contrast, NIS2 requires organisations to establish robust monitoring activities to detect vulnerabilities and respond to potential threats. The directive underlines the importance of maintaining continuous oversight over network and information systems to ensure their integrity. Real-time monitoring aids in promptly identifying anomalies and initiating necessary actions to prevent security incidents. By integrating ISO 27001’s structured controls with NIS2’s monitoring requirements, organisations can establish a proactive security stance that mitigates risks and ensures compliance.

Key Differences Between ISO 27001 and NIS2

Where ISO 27001 Helps with NIS2 Compliance

Consider ISO 27001 complementary to NIS2 compliance. ISO 27001 certification helps organisations aiming to achieve NIS2 compliance the following ways:

1. Baseline Security Measures: ISO 27001 provides a structured approach to implementing security controls that align with NIS2’s focus on risk management and security.
2. Incident Management: ISO 27001’s Annex A includes incident management processes, which can support NIS2’s incident reporting requirements.
3. Governance and Accountability: ISO 27001 emphasises top management involvement, which aligns with NIS2’s requirement for management oversight of cybersecurity measures.
4. Audit and Continuous Improvement: ISO 27001 promotes regular audits and improvements, which are critical for ongoing NIS2 compliance.

Gaps That Need to Be Addressed for NIS2 Compliance

ISO 27001 is a valuable starting point and can significantly reduce the effort required for NIS2 compliance. However, organisations subject to NIS2 must address additional requirements, particularly in incident reporting, supply chain security, and legal obligations. Specifically:

1. Mandatory Incident Reporting: Organisations must establish procedures to report significant incidents to competent authorities within the required timeframe.
2. Supply Chain Risk Management: NIS2 emphasises monitoring third-party risks, which may go beyond ISO 27001’s general guidelines.
3. Sector-Specific Risks: NIS2 requires addressing risks specific to critical sectors, which ISO 27001 does not explicitly cover.
4. Cross-Border Cooperation: NIS2 mandates participation in EU-wide collaboration and communication during incidents, which is outside the scope of ISO 27001.
5. Legal Obligations: NIS2 compliance involves aligning with national legal frameworks and directives, beyond what ISO 27001 requires.

Recognising the complementary nature of these frameworks can ease the compliance journey. ISO 27001’s risk assessment process, for example, can significantly support NIS2’s requirement for adequate risk management measures. By aligning the controls and processes from ISO 27001 to the rigid demands of NIS2, organisations can create a cohesive strategy that satisfies both requirements without duplicative efforts.

Selecting the Right Framework: NIS2 or ISO 27001 for Your Organisation

When trying to determine whether NIS2 or ISO 27001 is more suitable for your organisation, it’s essential to understand the distinct objectives and focus areas of each framework.

ISO 27001 is an internationally recognised standard that provides a holistic framework for an organisation’s information security management system. It offers guidelines for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and continually improving information security practices. This standard is versatile and can be applied across various industries to help organisations secure their sensitive data and mitigate risks.

NIS2, or the Network and Information Systems Directive 2, is a directive from the European Union specifically aimed at enhancing cybersecurity across sectors deemed critical for infrastructure operations. These sectors include energy, transport, health, and finance, among others. NIS2 is designed to ensure that essential service operators and digital service providers meet minimum security standards to protect against cyber threats, which could have widespread impacts on society and the economy.

In choosing between these two, organisations must carefully consider their industry-specific requirements and regulatory obligations. If your organisation is part of a critical infrastructure sector as defined by the EU, and you operate within the EU or serve EU customers, NIS2 may be imperative for compliance. However, if your primary goal is to establish a robust and comprehensive information security management system that is recognised worldwide, then ISO 27001 might be more appropriate.

Ultimately, the decision should align with your organisation’s strategic goals, the regulatory demands applicable to your operational landscape, and the level of cybersecurity resilience you aim to achieve.

Implementing NIS 2 Cybersecurity Measures: A Guide to Aligning with ISO 27001

Aligning NIS 2 cybersecurity measures with ISO 27001 is essential for organisations seeking to enhance their security posture effectively. By mapping these standards, organisations can ensure comprehensive risk management and establish a robust information security framework. This alignment helps organisations identify, assess, and mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities, thereby reducing the likelihood of cyber incidents and enhancing their ability to respond to and recover from attacks.

Additionally, this strategic approach aids companies in achieving compliance with both NIS 2 and ISO 27001 regulations, ensuring they meet the legal and regulatory requirements necessary to protect sensitive data and maintain operational security.

Implementing a cohesive strategy that integrates NIS 2 and ISO 27001 streamlines processes by establishing clear policies and procedures for cybersecurity practices, which minimises duplication of efforts and resources. It also fosters a culture of continuous improvement, enabling organisations to adapt to evolving threats and technological advancements. Ultimately, this approach strengthens overall cybersecurity resilience, safeguarding assets, reputation, and customer trust in the organisation’s commitment to maintaining high standards of security.

Utilising ISO 27001 for NIS 2 Compliance

Implementing ISO 27001 can significantly aid organisations in adhering to the NIS 2 Directive by providing a structured framework for managing information security risks. This international standard helps entities establish comprehensive security policies, ensuring robust protection of sensitive data and enhancing overall cybersecurity measures in compliance with NIS 2 requirements.

When organisations align with ISO 27001, they ensure compliance, boost resilience, and protect critical infrastructure more effectively. This approach also provides organisations a strategic advantage. By leveraging ISO 27001’s structure, organisations can establish a baseline of information security management that supports the more specific demands of NIS2.

Furthermore, integrating ISO 27001 standards into the framework of NIS 2 enhances the cybersecurity posture of organisations. It also provides a structured methodology to identify, manage, and mitigate risks. The following steps can be instrumental in bridging the gap between ISO 27001 certification and NIS2 compliance.

Conduct a Gap Analysis

By evaluating current practices against NIS2 requirements, organisations can ensure they are adhering to mandatory guidelines designed to enhance their resilience to cyber incidents. This comprehensive analysis enables organisations to pinpoint gaps or weaknesses in their security posture, forming the basis for strategic planning and improvement. By highlighting these areas, organisations can prioritise their efforts and allocate resources more effectively. This targeted approach ensures that the most critical aspects of compliance and security enhancements are addressed promptly, optimising both time and financial investment.

Ultimately, balancing compliance efforts across both ISO 27001 and NIS2, lets organisations establish a more robust and resilient information security framework. This ensures they not only meet regulatory obligations but also enhance their overall security posture, protecting their data and systems from increasingly sophisticated cyber threats.

Establish a Strong Information Security Management System (ISMS)

Building an ISMS based on ISO 27001 lets organisations effectively identify and manage security risks related to their data and information systems. The ISMS framework guides organisations through a risk-based approach to information security, focusing on assessing potential threats and vulnerabilities and implementing appropriate controls to mitigate these risks. It ensures that all aspects of information security are addressed, including policies, procedures, legal and regulatory requirements, and business objectives. ISO 27001’s emphasis on safeguarding information confidentiality, integrity, and availability align closely with the principles of NIS2, which seeks to bolster the security and resilience of critical infrastructure and essential service providers across the EU.

By aligning with ISO 27001, organisations not only strengthen their information security posture but also demonstrate their commitment to protecting data and systems against a wide range of cyber threats. This alignment is particularly important for entities covered by NIS2, as it helps them meet the directive’s mandatory security requirements, including risk management, incident reporting, and cooperation across sectors and borders.

Conduct Risk Assessments Aligned with NIS2 Requirements

Regular risk assessments are designed to identify, evaluate, and address risks associated with the organisation’s information assets, thereby enabling the implementation of appropriate security measures. By aligning the two frameworks, organisations can more effectively identify risks that are specifically pertinent to their network and information systems, which is a key focus of the NIS2 Directive.

This alignment ensures that organisations are not only compliant with international standards but are also meeting regional regulatory requirements aimed at bolstering cyber resilience. Through regular and thorough risk assessments, organisations can proactively identify and mitigate potential threats and vulnerabilities. This proactive approach is critical for addressing the mandatory security objectives outlined in the NIS2 Directive, such as incident response, system integrity, and the continuous monitoring of network and information systems. Ultimately, this integrated approach enhances an organisation’s ability to protect critical infrastructure, ensures business continuity, and safeguards against evolving cyber threats.

Enhance Incident Response Capabilities

One of the critical components of the ISO 27001 framework is the development of effective incident response procedures. These procedures are essential for organisations to manage and mitigate the impact of security incidents, such as data breaches, cyberattacks, or unauthorised access to sensitive information. By implementing the guidelines outlined in ISO 27001, organisations can improve their capacity to promptly detect potential threats, efficiently respond to incidents when they occur, and effectively recover from any damage or disruption caused. This proactive approach to incident management not only helps in minimising the impact of security incidents but also ensures that organisations are better prepared to handle unforeseen events.

Adopting these procedures aligns with the requirements set forth by the NIS2 directive. By aligning their incident response strategies with both ISO 27001 and NIS2 directives, organisations not only strengthen their security posture but also ensure compliance with international and regional standards.

Ensure Continuous Improvement and Compliance

Organisations embracing a continuous improvement and compliance ethos under ISO 27001 are well-prepared for NIS2 compliance. ISO 27001’s framework helps organisations effectively address challenges from emerging technologies like cloud computing, the Internet of Things, and artificial intelligence. A focus on continuous improvement and compliance fosters a culture of regular security assessments and updates, ensuring that organisations adapt to new threats and vulnerabilities. By systematically conducting risk assessments, internal audits, and management reviews, organisations identify improvements in their information security management systems. Such proactive measures align with the evolving NIS2 standards, strengthening resilience against cyber threats in the EU.

This continuous refinement ensures that security protocols and strategies not only meet regulatory requirements but are also forward-thinking. Consequently, organisations can protect sensitive data, maintain stakeholder trust, and sustain operational resilience.

Facilitate Staff Awareness and Training

Security awareness training is crucial for fostering a culture of data protection within the organisation, where employees are not only aware of potential threats but also know how to respond appropriately to prevent breaches or incidents. By developing and implementing comprehensive educational initiatives, organisations can educate their workforce about the latest security practices, threat landscape, and legal obligations. This ensures that employees are equipped to recognise and address security challenges, thereby reinforcing an organisation’s overall security posture.

Through these educational programs, employees gain insights into the specific security measures and protocols relevant to their roles and the organisation as a whole. This not only enhances security awareness but also increases accountability among staff members. When employees clearly understand their responsibilities in maintaining security, they contribute to reducing the risk of human error, which is often a significant factor in security incidents.

Consequently, these training efforts support compliance with NIS2 by promoting a workforce that is both knowledgeable and proactive in addressing cybersecurity challenges, ultimately helping to protect critical information and systems from potential threats and vulnerabilities.

Kiteworks Helps Organisations Demonstrate NIS2 Compliance with a Private Content Network

ISO 27001 and NIS2 offer complementary approaches to managing information security and fulfilling regulatory demands. By understanding their nuances, synergies, similarities, and differences, IT, risk, and compliance professionals can craft an effective strategy that aligns their practices with both frameworks.

ISO 27001’s structured methodology lays a strong foundation for NIS2 compliance, facilitating risk management, governance, and operational security measures. The intersection of these standards provides an opportunity to enhance security practices while streamlining compliance efforts and reducing redundancy.

By employing ISO 27001’s principles, organisations can achieve NIS2 compliance and safeguard critical infrastructure. The combined approach of ISO 27001 and NIS2 not only aligns with compliance requirements but strengthens the organisation’s overall security posture, ensuring resilience and continued operational integrity.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network, a ISO 27001 certified secure communications platform, consolidates email, file sharing, web forms, SFTP, managed file transfer, and next-generation digital rights management solution so organisations control, protect, and track every file as it enters and exits the organisation.

The Kiteworks Private Content Network protects and manages content communications while providing transparent visibility to help businesses demonstrate NIS 2 compliance. Kiteworks allows customers to standardise security policies across email, file sharing, mobile, MFT, SFTP, and more with the ability to apply granular policy controls to protect data privacy. Admins can define role-based permissions for external users, thereby enforcing NIS 2 compliance consistently across communication channels.

Kiteworks deployment options include on-premises, hosted, private, hybrid, and FedRAMP virtual private cloud. With Kiteworks: control access to sensitive content; protect it when it’s shared externally using automated end-to-end encryption, multi-factor authentication, and security infrastructure integrations; see, track, and report all file activity, namely who sends what to whom, when, and how. Finally demonstrate compliance with regulations and standards like GDPR, Cyber Essentials Plus, DORA, ISO 27001, NIS 2, and many more.

To learn more about Kiteworks, schedule a custom demo today.

Additional Resources

• Brief How to Conduct a NIS 2 Readiness Assessment
• Video NIS 2 Directive: Requirements, Obligations, and How Kiteworks Can Help With Compliance
• Blog Post Small Business Guide to NIS 2 Compliance
• Blog Post NIS 2 Directive: What it Means for Your Business
• Blog Post NIS 2 Directive: Effective Implementation Strategies