Manufacturing enterprise vs. NIS2? An adaptation guide.

The Network and Information Systems Security Directive (NIS2 ) is an updated version of the European Network and Information Systems Security Directive. It aims to increase the level of cyber security in key sectors of the economy, including manufacturing companies such as the dairy industry, slaughterhouses, fish and meat processing plants, bakeries, sugar mills, distilleries, breweries, mills, juice factories and vegetable and fruit processing, confectionery plants .

Here are some key actions that a manufacturing company, should take in connection with the implementation of NIS2:

1. Asset identification and classification: Companies should carefully identify and classify their key digital assets and IT systems that are essential to their business.
2. Risk assessment: Risk assessments should be conducted regularly to understand potential threats to systems and data. This includes risks from cyber attacks, hardware failures, human error and natural disasters.
3. Safeguards and security measures: Implement appropriate security measures such as firewalls, intrusion detection and prevention systems, data encryption, and physical security for the IT infrastructure.
4. Incident management and response plans: Develop and implement cybersecurity incident management procedures and incident response plans to enable rapid response and minimize damage.
5. Cyber security awareness and training: Regular training for employees on cyber security best practices and potential threats, which is key to strengthening the first line of defense against cyber attacks.
6. Reporting and collaboration: Establish security incident reporting procedures and collaborate with local regulators and others on NIS2 requirements.
7. Reviews and audits: Regular security reviews and audits, both internal and external, to ensure that security measures are effective and up-to-date.

Implementing these steps will help manufacturing companies, such as dairies, comply with the NIS2 directive, thereby increasing the level of protection against digital threats and ensuring business continuity and protection of critical assets.

In conclusion, consider working with an external partner that specializes in cyber security. A partner not only offers expertise and access to advanced technologies, but can also work with a company’s internal team to support the implementation of appropriate security procedures, IT audits and staff training. This combination of external expertise and internal resources can significantly increase the efficiency of digital security operations and help meet regulatory requirements.