NIS2
EU directive strengthening cybersecurity for critical infrastructure sectors
ISO 22301
International standard for business continuity management systems.
Quick Verdict
NIS2 mandates cybersecurity for EU critical sectors with strict reporting and fines, while ISO 22301 offers voluntary BCMS certification for global resilience. Companies adopt NIS2 for regulatory compliance, ISO 22301 for proven continuity and trust.
NIS2
Network and Information Systems Directive 2 (NIS2)
Key Features
- Size-cap rule includes medium/large entities in covered sectors
- Strict multi-stage incident reporting within 24/72 hours
- Direct senior management accountability for compliance
- Continuous risk management and supply chain security
- Fines up to 2% global annual turnover
ISO 22301
ISO 22301:2019 Business continuity management systems Requirements
Key Features
- PDCA cycle with Annex SL high-level structure
- Business Impact Analysis (BIA) and risk assessment
- Leadership commitment and BCMS policy requirements
- Operational testing and exercise mandates
- Integration with ISO 27001 and other standards
Detailed Analysis
A comprehensive look at the specific requirements, scope, and impact of each standard.
NIS2 Details
What It Is
NIS2 Directive (Directive (EU) 2022/2555) is an EU regulation expanding the original NIS Directive to achieve high cybersecurity resilience across member states. It targets essential and important entities in broadened sectors like energy, transport, health, digital infrastructure using a risk-based approach with continuous assurance.
Key Components
- **Risk managementOngoing assessments, supply chain security, access controls, encryption.
- **Incident reporting24-hour early warning, 72-hour notification, one-month final report.
- **Business continuityRecovery plans, crisis procedures.
- **Corporate accountabilitySenior management direct responsibility. Built on standards like ISO 27001; compliance via national transposition, spot checks, no formal certification.
Why Organizations Use It
- Meets legal obligations, avoids fines up to 2% global turnover.
- Enhances resilience against threats, ensures service continuity.
- Builds trust, supports competitiveness in critical sectors.
- Addresses supply chain risks, promotes cross-border cooperation.
Implementation Overview
- Gap analysis, implement measures, train staff, establish reporting.
- Targets medium/large EU entities (>50 employees, €10M turnover) in covered sectors.
- Ongoing evidence-based audits by national authorities. Proactive transformation recommended. (178 words)
ISO 22301 Details
What It Is
ISO 22301:2019 is the international standard for establishing, implementing, maintaining, and improving a Business Continuity Management System (BCMS). It provides a flexible, high-level framework based on the PDCA (Plan-Do-Check-Act) cycle to protect against, reduce the likelihood of, and recover from disruptions, applicable to organizations of all sizes and sectors.
Key Components
- 10 clauses aligned with Annex SL, with Clauses 4-10 forming the auditable core.
- Key elements: Business Impact Analysis (BIA), risk assessment, leadership commitment, operational planning, testing, monitoring, audits, and continual improvement.
- No prescriptive controls; tailored to organizational context.
- Certification valid for 3 years with annual surveillance audits.
Why Organizations Use It
- Enhances resilience, minimizes downtime and financial losses.
- Meets regulatory needs like EU NIS Directive and builds stakeholder trust.
- Improves risk management and competitive advantages.
- Reduces insurance premiums and supports ESG integration.
Implementation Overview
- Phased approach: gap analysis, BIA, policy development, training, testing, audits.
- Typically 60 days to 6 months with tools; suits all industries globally.
- Two-stage certification process (readiness and effectiveness audits).
Key Differences
| Aspect | NIS2 | ISO 22301 |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | Critical infrastructure cybersecurity | Business continuity management |
| Industry | EU essential/important entities | All sectors globally |
| Nature | Mandatory EU regulation | Voluntary certification standard |
| Testing | Incident reporting timelines | BCMS exercises and audits |
| Penalties | Fines up to 2% global turnover | Loss of certification only |
Scope
Industry
Nature
Testing
Penalties
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about NIS2 and ISO 22301
NIS2 FAQ
ISO 22301 FAQ
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