Get our Guide for the AI Act
NIS2 & ISO 27001: Strategies for Cybersecurity Compliance
'%3e%3cpath%20d='M26.6667%2020.022L30%2023.3553V26.6886H21.6667V36.6886L20%2038.3553L18.3333%2036.6886V26.6886H10V23.3553L13.3333%2020.022V8.35531H11.6667V5.02197H28.3333V8.35531H26.6667V20.022Z'%20fill='%230AA971'/%3e%3c/g%3e%3c/svg%3e)
The essentials at a glance
- From October 2024, the NIS2 Directive becomes mandatory across the EU – companies must significantly strengthen their IT security.
- ISO 27001 provides the internationally recognized standard for information security management.
- Both frameworks require risk analyses, security measures, training, and documentation.
- Automated tools help maintain compliance over time and pass audits.
- heyData supports companies in implementing NIS2 and ISO 27001 with practical compliance automation.
Introduction
Cyberattacks are now part of everyday business reality. Whether ransomware, data leaks, or system outages – the consequences are expensive and often existential. That’s exactly why new regulations like the NIS2 Directive take effect in 2024, becoming binding for all medium-sized and large companies.
Combined with the proven ISO 27001 standard, this creates a framework that takes cybersecurity and compliance to the next level. But how do you implement this in practice – without the workload exploding?
In this article, you’ll learn the most important strategies for integrating NIS2 and ISO 27001 effectively – with concrete steps, tools, and best practices.
Table of Contents:
Why NIS2 and ISO 27001 are now essential
The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security Directive) obliges companies in critical and important sectors to demonstrate verifiable IT security. This includes, among others:
- Energy, healthcare, transport, and public administration
- Digital service providers, cloud providers, and IT service companies
- Medium-sized companies with more than 50 employees or €10 million in turnover
Goal: Protection against cyberattacks and outages, building resilience, and creating unified security standards across Europe.
ISO 27001 complements NIS2 perfectly. The standard defines how to set up, operate, and review an Information Security Management System (ISMS). If you are ISO 27001 certified, you automatically meet key NIS2 requirements.
The most important requirements in overview
| Area | NIS2 | ISO 27001 | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Risk management | Mandatory risk analysis and assessment | Core requirement of the ISMS | Identify and prioritize risks |
| Technical measures | Firewalls, backups, access management | Security controls under Annex A | Protect systems |
| Incident reporting | Report incidents within 24 hours | Part of emergency/incident management | Transparency toward authorities |
| Awareness and training | Regular employee trainings | Mandatory component | Strengthen security culture |
| Continuous improvement | Ongoing audits and updates | PDCA cycle (Plan-Do-Check-Act) | Achieve sustainable security |
Strategies for effective cybersecurity compliance
a) Establish holistic risk management
Create a central risk register covering all systems, applications, and suppliers.
Evaluate risks by likelihood and impact.
Tip: Use a scoring system (e.g., 1–5) to set clear priorities.
b) Define governance and responsibilities clearly
NIS2 requires clear accountability at management level. ISO 27001 requires an Information Security Officer (ISO/ISB).
Define clearly:
- Who assesses risks
- Who approves measures
- Who reports security incidents
c) Automate security measures
Manual processes are error-prone. Automation keeps standards consistently in place.
Examples of automation:
- Patch management for software
- Access control via Single Sign-On
- Real-time network monitoring
- Automatic audit documentation with heyData
d) Awareness is the key
Most security incidents are caused by human error. That’s why training is essential.
Practical idea: Run mandatory e-learning sessions or phishing simulations. heyData provides awareness trainings that help employees recognize IT security risks.
e) Secure the supply chain
NIS2 extends responsibility to third parties. You must ensure that service providers also meet security standards.
Tip: Add security clauses and audit rights to your contracts. heyData helps monitor supplier compliance centrally.
Get our Guide for the AI Act
How to implement NIS2 and ISO 27001 step by step
| Step | Action | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Inventory of IT systems | Create transparency |
| 2 | Conduct a risk analysis | Identify vulnerabilities |
| 3 | Define security objectives | Set priorities |
| 4 | Implement an ISMS under ISO 27001 | Build structures |
| 5 | Set up reporting and audit processes | Prove compliance |
| 6 | Establish training & monitoring | Ensure long-term execution |
Common implementation mistakes
- Focusing only on technology: IT security also includes organization, responsibility, and culture.
- Lack of management involvement: Without executive backing, no strategy succeeds.
- Insufficient documentation: Missing evidence leads to audit problems.
- One-off projects instead of processes: Compliance is a marathon, not a sprint.
- No supplier control: Third parties are often the weakest link.
Benefits of automated cybersecurity compliance
- Less effort: Audits and reports are created automatically.
- Better visibility: Dashboards show real-time risks.
- Faster response: Alerts when security incidents occur.
- Cost efficiency: Less external consulting needed.
- Trust: ISO 27001 certification strengthens image and customer loyalty.
Looking ahead
Cyberattacks are rising, and regulatory demands are becoming more complex. In addition to NIS2 and ISO 27001, new requirements are coming soon:
- DORA Regulation (for the financial sector)
- EU AI Act (AI compliance)
- CSRD (sustainability and ESG reporting)
Companies that invest in automation and clear structures today are already prepared for what comes next.
Conclusion
Cybersecurity compliance is not optional — it’s mandatory.
NIS2 and ISO 27001 create a binding framework for security, transparency, and resilience. Companies that understand their risks, establish solid processes, and use automation protect not only data, but also reputation and future growth.
FAQs on NIS2 and ISO 27001
What is NIS2?
The EU NIS2 Directive sets mandatory security requirements for companies and public bodies to prevent cyberattacks.
What is ISO 27001?
An international standard for Information Security Management Systems (ISMS) that helps organizations build structured IT security.
How do NIS2 and ISO 27001 relate?
ISO 27001 provides the foundation for meeting many NIS2 obligations. Companies with an ISMS already cover around 80% of the requirements.
Who is affected by NIS2?
All medium-sized and large companies in the EU in critical or important sectors – as well as their service providers.
How does heyData help with implementation?
heyData delivers automated compliance processes, audits, training, and monitoring for IT security standards like NIS2 and ISO 27001.
Important: The content of this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. The information provided here is no substitute for personalized legal advice from a data protection officer or an attorney. We do not guarantee that the information provided is up to date, complete, or accurate. Any actions taken on the basis of the information contained in this article are at your own risk. We recommend that you always consult a data protection officer or an attorney with any legal questions or problems.