The NIS 2 Directive is a big step in the European Union’s plan to improve cybersecurity across important industries. As cyber threats grow, the need for proper training becomes more urgent. Released in December 2022, NIS 2 builds on the original NIS directive and will fully replace it by October 2024.
To meet the new standards, businesses need to focus on NIS 2 training to stay compliant and strengthen their cybersecurity defenses. In this article, we will explain why NIS 2 training is important and what you need to know to get started.
Why NIS 2 Training is Essential
The introduction of NIS 2 brings stricter cybersecurity requirements and penalties for non-compliance. Organizations that fail to meet these standards can face severe fines, ranging from €7 million to €10 million, depending on their size and category. With such high stakes, ensuring that employees at all levels understand the directive’s requirements is critical.
Effective NIS 2 training equips employees with the knowledge to handle cyber threats, respond to incidents, and comply with the legal obligations outlined in the directive. Without proper training, businesses risk security breaches, reputational damage, and financial penalties.
What is NIS 2 and Who Needs Training?
The NIS 2 Directive sets out stringent cybersecurity requirements for various industries across the EU. To meet these standards, organizations must provide targeted NIS 2 training to ensure that both leadership and technical teams understand their roles in maintaining compliance.
Understanding the NIS 2 Directive
NIS 2, or Directive (EU) 2022/2555, is an updated cybersecurity directive aimed at enhancing the protection of critical infrastructure across the EU. It introduces new standards for cybersecurity risk management, incident reporting, and supply chain security. The directive applies to organizations classified as essential entities (e.g., healthcare, transport, finance) and important entities (e.g., ICT service providers, digital infrastructure).
Who Should Undergo NIS 2 Training?
NIS 2 training is important for more than just IT departments. Senior management, risk managers, and all employees who deal with sensitive data need it too. The training should be customized for different roles in the company. This makes sure that everyone, from top leaders to technical teams, understands their specific duties under the directive.
Advisera’s Company Training Account suggests that a good way to deliver NIS 2 training is by tailoring the content to different groups. For example, senior management can focus on compliance and risk, while IT staff can get technical training on cybersecurity. This targeted approach makes the training more useful and effective for everyone.
What are the Key Components of NIS 2 Training
Effective NIS 2 training covers essential areas like risk management, incident response, and compliance. Employees need to be trained not only in identifying and mitigating threats but also in understanding the legal consequences of non-compliance.
Cybersecurity Risk Management
The main focus of NIS 2 training is cybersecurity risk management. Employees need to learn how to spot vulnerabilities, assess risks, and apply security measures to stop breaches. This also involves knowing how to handle incidents to reduce damage when attacks happen.
Training programs like those from Advisers offer simple video lessons on risk management. These videos make it easy for non-technical staff to understand the basics of cyber hygiene and how to prevent threats proactively.
Incident Response and Reporting
One of the critical requirements of NIS 2 is timely incident reporting. Businesses must report cyber incidents within 24-72 hours, depending on the severity. NIS 2 training should cover the steps for recognizing incidents and understanding the reporting process.
Advisera’s Company Training Account helps streamline this by providing 50+ video lessons on NIS 2 incident reporting, allowing businesses to configure training and awareness programs that are easy for employees to follow. These videos, typically 5-10 minutes long, make learning about incident response manageable, even for those who are unfamiliar with cybersecurity protocols.
Supply Chain Security
With NIS 2’s increased focus on supply chain security, businesses must ensure that not only their own cybersecurity is robust but also that of their third-party vendors. Training should cover how to assess and manage vendor security risks, ensuring compliance throughout the supply chain.
Compliance and Penalties
NIS 2 introduces severe penalties for non-compliance. Training should emphasize the legal consequences of failing to meet cybersecurity standards, including potential fines and liabilities. By automating training delivery and tracking, as Advisera’s platform does, businesses can ensure that all employees are up to date on their compliance responsibilities and ready for audits.
What are the Benefits of NIS 2 Training for Businesses
Implementing NIS 2 training offers a range of benefits, from improved cybersecurity to a better understanding of compliance obligations. Training programs ensure that organizations are prepared for cyber incidents and can mitigate damage more effectively.
Improved Cybersecurity Posture
Comprehensive NIS 2 training prepares organizations to meet the directive’s cybersecurity demands, reducing the risk of data breaches and enhancing overall security. Businesses that train their workforce effectively are more resilient in the face of cyber threats.
Increased Employee Awareness
Regular cybersecurity training improves employees’ understanding of cyber risks and helps them develop best practices for preventing incidents. With Advisera’s training platform, employees can learn at their own pace, ensuring they absorb the necessary information without feeling overwhelmed.
Better Incident Response
Training enhances a company’s ability to respond swiftly and effectively to cyber incidents. Employees trained in incident response are better equipped to detect, report, and address cyber threats, minimizing downtime and potential losses.
Staying Ahead of Regulations
Proactively adopting NIS 2 training ensures businesses remain compliant with upcoming regulations, avoiding penalties and staying competitive. The Company Training Account makes this easy by providing automated tracking and reminders, helping businesses maintain compliance with NIS 2.
How to Choose the Right NIS 2 Training Program
Selecting the right NIS 2 training program is crucial for success. Organizations need programs that are tailored to different roles, engaging, and easy to implement. This ensures that the training resonates with employees and meets compliance standards.
Tailored Programs for Different Roles
When selecting a NIS 2 training program, ensure that it offers tailored content for different job roles within the organization. This personalized approach ensures employees receive the most relevant training for their responsibilities.
Advisera’s Company Training Account allows businesses to assign specific training modules to different teams, such as senior management, IT staff, and general employees, making the training more effective and engaging.
Key Features to Look For in a Training Program
When choosing a NIS 2 training program, look for features such as:
- Short, engaging lessons to maintain attention.
- Automated tracking to monitor employee progress.
- Tailored content for different roles.
- Compliance reports for audit purposes.
Online vs. In-Person Training
Businesses can choose between online training or in-person sessions. Online training, such as Advisera’s video-based lessons, offers greater flexibility and scalability, allowing employees to learn at their own pace.
What are the Best Practices for Implementing NIS 2 Training
For NIS 2 training to be effective, businesses must adopt a strategic approach. Engaging leadership, creating an ongoing training schedule, and tracking progress is key to ensuring that all employees remain compliant and up to date with cybersecurity requirements.
Engaging Leadership and Teams
Successful implementation of NIS 2 training starts with getting leadership on board. Leaders should champion the training program and encourage team-wide participation.
Creating an Ongoing Training Schedule
NIS 2 training should not be a one-time effort. Implement a continuous learning schedule, offering refresher courses and updates on new cyber threats and regulatory changes.
Tracking Progress and Compliance
Use tools like Advisera’s Company Training Account to automate training progress and send reminders. This ensures all employees complete their training and allows managers to generate reports for compliance audits.
Conclusion
Getting ahead with NIS 2 training is crucial for businesses looking to stay compliant and secure. By investing in tailored training programs, such as those offered by Advisera, companies can strengthen their cybersecurity defenses, improve incident response, and ensure compliance with NIS 2 requirements. Start your NIS 2 training today to protect your organization from cyber threats and stay ahead of regulatory changes.
