NIS2 & DORA: essential technical requirements

Understanding NIS2 & DORA

Organizations must align with these regulations to secure their operations, protect sensitive data, and mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats.

What is NIS2?

The NIS2 Directive is the EU’s updated cybersecurity framework, extending the scope of its predecessor, the NIS Directive. It introduces more rigorous security requirements and enforcement measures to enhance the resilience of organizations against cyber threats. Compliance is not just about meeting regulatory obligations—it is about fostering a robust cybersecurity culture.

What is DORA?

The Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) is a dedicated regulatory framework for the financial sector, ensuring that institutions can maintain operational resilience in the face of cyber threats and digital disruptions. DORA mandates stringent risk management, incident reporting, and third-party oversight to enhance financial stability and safeguard against IT-related risks.

Who do these regulations affect?

• NIS2 applies to industries such as energy, healthcare, finance, transportation, public administration, and digital infrastructure. It classifies organizations into essential and important entities, ensuring broader cybersecurity coverage.
• DORA is specifically designed for the financial sector, including banks, insurance companies, investment firms, and critical ICT service providers that support financial institutions.

Security Measures

A proactive cybersecurity strategy is crucial for compliance with both directives. This includes implementing advanced network security controls, real-time threat intelligence, and proactive monitoring to detect and prevent cyber intrusions before they escalate.

Organizations must also enforce strong authentication protocols, data encryption policies, and strict access control measures to safeguard sensitive information from unauthorized access.

Incident Reporting & Response

Both NIS2 and DORA require organizations to establish clear protocols for detecting, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity incidents. Any significant security breach must be reported within 24 hours to relevant authorities, ensuring a swift and coordinated response.

Financial institutions under DORA must maintain detailed logs of ICT-related incidents and collaborate with regulatory bodies to mitigate risks effectively.

Third-Party & Supply Chain Security

Given the growing reliance on third-party vendors, both regulations introduce stringent requirements for supply chain security. Organizations must conduct due diligence on their ICT service providers, assess third-party risks, and continuously monitor vendor security postures to prevent potential vulnerabilities. DORA places particular emphasis on financial institutions ensuring that third-party ICT providers comply with resilience and security standards.

Business Continuity & Crisis Management

Resilience planning is at the core of both NIS2 and DORA. Companies must develop robust disaster recovery plans, maintain secure data backups, and conduct regular cybersecurity training for employees.

Simulation exercises and tabletop scenarios play a key role in preparing teams for real-world cyber threats. Continuous monitoring of third-party risks and real-time alerts on emerging vulnerabilities further enhance an organization’s ability to preemptively mitigate threats.

Penalities for Non-Compliance

Failing to adhere to NIS2 and DORA requirements can lead to severe financial and legal consequences. Organizations that do not meet NIS2 standards may face fines of up to €10 million or 2% of annual global turnover. Similarly, financial institutions failing to comply with DORA risk substantial regulatory penalties and reputational damage. Compliance is not just a regulatory necessity but a strategic imperative for businesses operating in high-risk environments.

Organizations must take a structured approach to achieving compliance. This begins with a comprehensive gap analysis to identify security weaknesses, followed by the implementation of a cybersecurity and operational resilience framework tailored to both directives. Strengthening third-party risk management is crucial, as is the automation of compliance processes through AI-driven security assessments and real-time risk detection. Keeping pace with evolving regulatory requirements ensures continuous alignment with NIS2 and DORA standards.

Why choose Coinnect?

Navigating NIS2 and DORA compliance can be complex, but with expert guidance, organizations can achieve regulatory alignment efficiently. Our team specializes in conducting end-to-end risk assessments, designing and implementing cybersecurity frameworks, and providing continuous monitoring solutions. Through our automated compliance tools and advisory support, we help businesses secure their operations and build resilience against cyber threats.

If you’re looking for a trusted partner to guide your compliance journey, contact us today to explore tailored solutions that fit your organization’s needs.

At Coinnect, we offer end-to-end cybersecurity and resilience solutions designed to help organizations comply with both NIS2 and DORA. With years of expertise in securing critical and financial infrastructures, we empower businesses to navigate these complex regulatory landscapes with confidence.

Our Expertise

We stay ahead of evolving EU cybersecurity laws, ensuring that our clients maintain a proactive security strategy that aligns with regulatory requirements. Our team delivers tailored compliance solutions, addressing the unique risk profiles of each organization to ensure comprehensive protection.

The Coinnect Advantage

Our approach to cybersecurity compliance integrates best practices from both NIS2 and DORA, providing businesses with a seamless and efficient regulatory strategy. From real-time monitoring and compliance automation to in-depth advisory services, we offer continuous support to keep your organization secure. Our expertise in third-party risk management ensures that your entire supply chain meets the highest security and compliance standards.

By choosing Coinnect, your organization gains a trusted cybersecurity partner, helping you stay ahead of digital threats while achieving full compliance with NIS2 and DORA.

Get in touch with us today to secure your digital future.